PM Modi to Launch Health Coverage for Senior Citizens Today: Key Details & How to Apply

For those who already possess an Ayushman card, a fresh application on the portal or app is required, along with completing the eKYC process to obtain a new card under this expanded scheme.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch a new health coverage scheme today, designed specifically for senior citizens aged 70 and above under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY).

The initiative is expected to benefit an estimated six crore senior citizens across about 4.5 Cr households, a move that underscores the government's focus on providing comprehensive health coverage for the elderly population.

Under this expanded scheme, citizens aged 70 and above will receive health insurance benefits irrespective of their income, making high-quality healthcare accessible for more people in this age group.

This initiative also allows senior citizens already covered under the existing Ayushman Bharat scheme to receive an additional top-up of up to INR 5 Lakh per year.

This top-up coverage will be exclusive to seniors and will not be shared with younger family members, enhancing the available resources for healthcare expenses specifically for the elderly.

Registration & Other Details

 Individuals need to sign up on the PMJAY portal or through the Ayushman app for registration.

For those who already possess an Ayushman card, a fresh application on the portal or app is required, along with completing the eKYC process to obtain a new card under this expanded scheme.

As of September 1, 2024, a total of 29,648 hospitals, including 12,696 private hospitals, have been empaneled to provide treatment under PMJAY, ensuring senior citizens have ample access to healthcare facilities nationwide.

The scheme will be rolled out across 33 states and Union Territories, with Delhi, Odisha, and West Bengal opting out.

By extending health coverage specifically to those over 70 years of age, the government is addressing the unique medical needs of senior citizens, who often face higher healthcare costs.

This launch builds upon the Ayushman Bharat Scheme’s existing goal of making healthcare accessible to all, especially vulnerable segments of the population.

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