Fri Sep 13 03:20:33 UTC 2024: ## Government Expands Ayushman Bharat to Cover All Senior Citizens

**New Delhi, India** – The Indian government has announced a major expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), extending its health insurance coverage to all citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of their income.

The scheme, which previously covered the bottom 40% of the population based on income, now offers an annual coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family for all senior citizens. This move is expected to benefit an additional 6 crore individuals in the 70+ age bracket, according to a government statement.

**Key Features of the Expansion:**

* **Universal Coverage:** All individuals aged 70 and above, regardless of income, will receive Rs 5 lakh annual coverage.
* **Top-Up Coverage:** Senior citizens in families already enrolled in AB PM-JAY will receive an additional Rs 5 lakh top-up coverage, exclusive to themselves.
* **Individual Coverage:** Seniors not enrolled in family plans will receive coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per year on a family basis.
* **Choice for Existing Plans:** Individuals covered by CGHS, ECHS, or Ayushman CAPF can choose to retain their current scheme or opt for AB PM-JAY.
* **Dual Coverage:** Senior citizens with private health insurance or enrolled in the Employees’ State Insurance Scheme can still access the benefits provided under AB PM-JAY.

**Impact on the Insurance Sector:**

Industry experts have lauded the move, highlighting its potential impact on the insurance sector. Rakesh Jain, CEO of Reliance General Insurance, sees the expansion as a significant step towards enhancing insurance penetration in India, particularly for one of the world’s largest demographics.

G Srinivasan, MD & CEO of Galaxy Health Insurance Co Ltd, views the extension as a positive development for both the public and the insurance sector. He believes it will ease the financial burden on families and reshape the market dynamics for senior citizen health plans.

**Enrollment Process:**

To enroll in the expanded scheme, individuals can visit the official AB PM-JAY website (https://abdm.gov.in/). They will need to authenticate their identity using Aadhaar or ration card at a PMJAY kiosk and provide family identification documents. Upon verification, they will receive an e-card with a unique AB-PMJAY ID.

The expansion of AB PM-JAY to include all senior citizens is seen as a significant step towards strengthening India’s healthcare infrastructure and ensuring the well-being of its aging population.

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