Tue Oct 29 09:10:00 UTC 2024: ## PM Modi Announces Diwali Gift: Free Medical Cover for Seniors Under Ayushman Bharat

**New Delhi:** In a special Diwali gift for senior citizens, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the expansion of the Ayushman Bharat scheme to include those aged 70 years and above. Starting today, eligible individuals can register for the scheme, which provides free medical coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakh.

The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) is a health insurance scheme launched by the government in 2018. It provides financial assistance to eligible individuals for secondary and tertiary healthcare treatment. The scheme covers over 10.74 crore families across the country, except for Delhi, West Bengal, and Odisha.

The expansion of PMJAY will benefit an estimated 6 crore senior citizens from over 4.5 crore families. Existing beneficiaries can now avail a top-up of Rs. 5 lakh for their medical expenses.

**How to register for PMJAY:**

* Visit the official website: https://abdm.gov.in/
* Verify your Aadhaar card or ration card at a PMJAY kiosk.
* Submit a family certificate and fill in all required details.
* Print your e-card with the Ayushman Bharat PMJAY ID.

Once you have received the card, you will be eligible for free medical cover of up to Rs. 5 lakh. The scheme is accessible at over 29,500 private and public hospitals across India.

The move is expected to be welcomed by senior citizens who often face financial strain due to rising healthcare costs. PM Modi’s Diwali gift is a testament to the government’s commitment to ensuring access to quality healthcare for all citizens.

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