Tue Oct 29 09:10:00 UTC 2024: ## PM Modi Launches New Phase of Ayushman Bharat Scheme: Free Healthcare for All Senior Citizens
**New Delhi:** In a significant move to improve healthcare access for senior citizens, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a new phase of the Ayushman Bharat scheme on Tuesday. This extension will provide free medical treatment to all citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of their income.
The new scheme, dubbed **”Ayushman Vaya Vandan”**, offers a yearly health insurance cover of ₹5 lakh per senior citizen. It is expected to benefit over 6 crore senior citizens across 4.5 crore families. Previously, the Ayushman Bharat scheme was primarily targeted at low-income families.
During the launch ceremony held at the All India Institute of Ayurveda in Delhi, PM Modi presented Ayushman Vaya Vandan cards to senior citizens, signifying the commencement of the scheme. Health Minister JP Nadda and other dignitaries were present at the event.
The initiative falls under the umbrella of the **Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)**, which was approved by the Cabinet on September 11, 2024. Senior citizens will receive separate cards under this scheme, distinct from the family Ayushman plan.
Families already benefiting from the Ayushman Bharat scheme will receive an additional ₹5 lakh annual health insurance cover specifically for their senior members. However, this top-up amount can only be used for treating the senior citizen and not any other family member.
Senior citizens availing benefits from other government schemes, including those offered to central government employees, will have the option of choosing between the Ayushman Vaya Vandan scheme or their existing health plan. Individuals covered by private health insurance policies or the ESI scheme are also eligible for the new scheme.
This new phase of the Ayushman Bharat scheme is a major step towards ensuring accessible and affordable healthcare for senior citizens across India.
First Piper 