Published on: September 12, 2024

AYUSHMAN BHARAT

AYUSHMAN BHARAT

NEWS – Ayushman Bharat Benefit for Senior Citizens Above 70 Years

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Union Cabinet approved the extension of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to cover all senior citizens above 70 years of age.
  • Beneficiaries: Over 6 crore senior citizens, regardless of socio-economic status.
  • Financial Implication: First-year cost estimated at Rs 3,437 crore.
  • Number of Families Covered: 4.5 crore families to benefit from the scheme.

Key Features of the Extended Benefit

  1. Additional Top-Up for Senior Citizens:
    • Existing families under the scheme will get an additional top-up of Rs 5 lakh for senior citizens, specifically for those above 70 years of age.
    • This top-up is exclusive and does not need to be shared with other family members.
    • If there are two senior citizens (70+ years) in the same family, the benefit will be split between them.
  2. Coverage for Those Already Insured:
    • Government Schemes: Those covered under CGHS, ECHS, or CAPF health schemes can choose to switch to Ayushman Bharat or stay with their current coverage.
    • Private Health Insurance: Senior citizens already covered under private or Employee’s State Insurance schemes can avail of AB PM-JAY as additional coverage.
  3. State Participation:
    • Currently, West Bengal and Delhi are not part of this scheme.

AYUSHMAN BHARAT PRADHAN MANTRI JAN AROGYA YOJANA (AB-PMJAY)

  • Launch: September 2018.
  • Objective: To offer secondary and tertiary healthcare services to the vulnerable population.
  • Coverage: Rs 5 lakh per family per year for hospitalisation costs.
  • Target Population: Poorest and vulnerable families, covering about 40% of the population + 10.74 crore poor, deprived rural families + Specific urban workers’ families identified through SECC data.

Benefits of AB-PMJAY

  1. Cashless Services: Beneficiaries receive healthcare services without paying at the point of service.
  2. Insurance Coverage: Rs 5 lakh coverage per family annually.
  3. Health Benefit Packages: Covers surgery, medical treatments, medicines, and diagnostics.

Role of National Health Authority (NHA)

  • Responsibility: Implementing the AB-PMJAY scheme at the national level.
  • Functions:
    • Designing strategies and technological infrastructure.
    • Overseeing the National Digital Health Mission.
    • State-level implementation through State Health Agencies (SHAs).