The Cabinet has given its nod to giving health coverage to all senior citizens who are above 70 years irrespective of income under Ayushman Bharat PM Jan Arogya Yojana. Briefing the media after the Cabinet meeting this evening in Delhi, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said this is a significant decision. He said the senior citizens will get the facility of free treatment up to 5 lakh rupees. He highlighted that this will cover about 4.5 crore families in the country, and include about 6 crore senior citizens.

The eligible senior citizens would be issued a new distinct card under AB PM-JAY. The senior citizens of the 70 years and above belonging to families already covered under AB PM-JAY will get an additional top-up cover upto 5 lakh rupees per year for themselves. All other senior citizens of 70 years and above will get a cover upto 5 lakh rupees per year on a family basis. Senior citizens of the age 70 years and above who are already availing benefits of other public health insurance schemes such as Central Government Health Scheme, Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme, Ayushman Central Armed Police Force  may either choose their existing scheme or opt for AB PMJAY. Senior citizens of 70 years and above who are under private health insurance policies or Employees’ State Insurance scheme will be eligible to avail benefits under AB PM-JAY.