Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY to Add Health Packages for Elderly Under Expanded Scheme

A committee is assessing the need for additional Ayushman Bharat health packages focused on geriatric care, given the anticipated increase in elderly beneficiaries.

The National Health Authority (NHA), responsible for the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), is preparing to add new health packages catering specifically to senior citizens.

The expansion of the AB-PMJAY scheme will offer health coverage to individuals aged 70 years and above. The government aims to benefit approximately 6 Cr elderly people across 4.5 Cr households.

A committee is assessing the need for additional Ayushman Bharat health packages focused on geriatric care, given the anticipated increase in elderly beneficiaries.

"With the growing number of individuals aged 70 and above, we are reviewing the inclusion of more geriatric-focused health packages to meet their unique needs," stated an official source.

According to official sources, the expanded scheme is expected to launch by the end of this month.

Key Benefits of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY

Currently, the AB-PMJAY scheme provides comprehensive coverage for 1,949 medical procedures across 27 specialties, including surgery, cardiology, oncology, and general medicine.

Beneficiaries receive hospital services such as free medication (up to 15 days post-discharge), diagnostics, food, and lodging. The scheme also covers conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Once the expansion is rolled out, all individuals aged 70 and above will be eligible for an Ayushman Bharat health card, enabling them to receive free medical treatment up to INR 5 Lakh at any PM-JAY-empanelled hospital.

The expanded coverage will be available to citizens from all economic backgrounds, ensuring healthcare access to millions of elderly individuals.

Application Process

As of September 1, a total of 29,648 hospitals, including 12,696 private facilities, are part of the AB-PMJAY scheme, operational in 33 states and Union Territories, excluding Delhi, Odisha, and West Bengal.

Eligible individuals will need to apply through the PM-JAY portal or the Ayushman Bharat app. Current cardholders must reapply to receive a new card and complete eKYC verification.

Senior citizens already covered under AB-PMJAY will also receive an additional top-up cover of up to INR 5 Lakh annually, designated solely for their use. Beneficiaries with private health insurance or ESIC coverage will still be eligible under the expanded scheme.

However, those enrolled in other public healthcare schemes such as CGHS and ECHS must choose between their current coverage and AB-PMJAY.

The Ayushman Bharat scheme has already covered over 7.37 Cr hospital admissions and provided healthcare services worth INR 1 Lakh Cr to the public.

Initially launched for 10.74 Cr vulnerable families, the scheme has since expanded to cover 12 Cr families, considering population growth and including ASHA workers and Anganwadi employees.

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