Fri Sep 13 07:47:38 UTC 2024: ## Modi Government Doubles Free Healthcare Coverage for Senior Citizens under Ayushman Bharat Yojana
**New Delhi:** The Modi government has announced a significant increase in the free healthcare coverage for senior citizens under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. Effective immediately, senior citizens will now receive an additional ₹500,000 in free healthcare coverage, taking their total entitlement to ₹1,000,000.
Previously, beneficiaries under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana were eligible for ₹500,000 in free treatment. This new top-up provision, however, will be applicable to all families with a senior citizen (aged 70 years or above) regardless of their income or social status.
The government has not stipulated any specific criteria for eligibility. This means that all Indian senior citizens can apply for the scheme and avail the benefits.
The senior citizens will be issued a separate Ayushman card, which they can present at the Ayushman Help Desk of any government or private hospital listed under the scheme to access the free healthcare services.
The government has clarified that senior citizens who already have a private medical insurance policy or are beneficiaries of a government healthcare scheme will be given the option to choose either their existing policy or the Ayushman Bharat Yojana benefits.
This move is expected to significantly alleviate the financial burden on senior citizens facing healthcare costs and further enhance their well-being.
First Piper 