Ayushman Bharat Scheme: 6.5 Lakh Senior Citizens Enroll in Ayushman Bharat Scheme in Just 11 Days!

The Ayushman Bharat Scheme, or Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) has achieved a significant milestone within just 11 days of its recent expansion to include individuals aged 70 and above. Over 6.5 lakh senior citizens have enrolled and received Ayushman cards, reflecting the scheme’s growing impact on healthcare accessibility.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently announced an expansion allowing individuals aged 70 and above to receive health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family annually. This covers cashless medical treatment, including expenses for medicines, surgeries, consultations, and ICU care, significantly improving healthcare access for senior citizens across the country.

In this Blog, we will give you a detail insight of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme and its recent update that how this scheme has evolved and benefited senior citizens.

What is Ayushman Bharat Scheme?

The Ayushman Bharat Scheme launched on September 23, 2018 is a key health initiative launched by the Indian government to provide financial protection to vulnerable families. It offers health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary care. The scheme ensures access to medical treatment at both public and private hospitals that are part of the network across India. Additionally, it places a special emphasis on supporting the economically weaker sections of society, aiming to improve healthcare accessibility for those in need.

 Current Scenario of Ayushman Bharat Scheme 2024

• The Ayushman Bharat Scheme or (PMJAY) provides secondary and tertiary healthcare to underprivileged families.
• On September 11, the Union Cabinet extended the scheme to include all senior citizens aged 70 and above, offering free hospital treatment through the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card.
• The Ayushman Bharat Scheme or PMJAY scheme has currently benefitted 55 crore individuals from 12.34 crore families.
• Over ₹1 lakh crore in healthcare benefits have been distributed through the scheme.
• Nearly half of the hospital admissions under the scheme are women beneficiaries.
• Kerala recorded the highest number of new enrolments among senior citizens, followed by Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Haryana.

This extension highlights the government’s commitment to providing affordable healthcare for all.

Benefits to Enroll in Ayushman Bharat Scheme

1.Health insurance Coverage – Under the Ayushman Bharat or PMJAY Scheme initiative, senior citizens are entitled to annual health insurance Ayushman Bharat Scheme-PMJAYAyushman Bharat Scheme-PMJAYcoverage of up to ₹5 lakh for secondary and tertiary treatments. Beneficiaries can access cashless healthcare services at more than 29,000 panelled hospitals across the country.

2. Support to Retire Citizen – The Ayushman Bharat or PMJAY scheme acts as a crucial safety net amid India’s rising healthcare costs, especially for senior citizens who rely on external support and are no longer working. It provides health insurance without requiring any premium payment, covering a range of treatments, including pre-existing conditions, surgeries, critical illnesses, and post-hospitalization care, ensuring comprehensive protection for the elderly.

3.Covers pre – existing disease – The Ayushman Bharat or PMJAY scheme offers coverage for pre-existing medical conditions from the very first day, with no waiting period, unlike private health insurance. This is particularly beneficial for senior citizens who may struggle to afford or qualify for private insurance due to conditions like diabetes, hypertension, cancer, or cardiac issues.

4.Additional Benefits for Senior Citizens – Senior citizens in families enrolled under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY will receive an extra ₹5 lakh coverage specifically for their medical needs. Those covered by other schemes like CGHS, ECHS, or Ayushman CAPF can either retain their existing plan or switch to PM-JAY. Even if you already have private health insurance, you can still benefit from this scheme for added healthcare security.

Why Ayushman Bharat Scheme is a Game – Changer for Senior Citizens?Top of Form

1. Affordable Healthcare: Provides essential treatments without financial worries, ensuring healthcare access for even the most vulnerable elderly.
2. Improved Quality of Life: Facilitates timely treatment for critical illnesses, enabling senior citizens to live healthier and more fulfilling lives.
3. Financial Security: Eases the financial burden on families, allowing them to focus on caregiving without stress over high medical expenses.
4. Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions: Includes long-standing illnesses like diabetes and hypertension from the start, removing barriers to care.
5. Cashless Treatment: Eliminates the need for upfront payments, simplifying the process of receiving medical care at panelled hospitals.
6. Broad Network Access: Offers treatment at over 29,000 panelled public and private hospitals, ensuring nationwide accessibility.
7. No Age Barriers: Specifically designed to meet the needs of elderly individuals, addressing their unique healthcare challenges.

Final Thoughts

Expanding the Ayushman Bharat Scheme to include senior citizens marks a significant move toward achieving inclusive healthcare, showcasing the government’s commitment to improving accessibility. The rapid enrolment of over 6.5 lakh seniors within just 11 days underscores the immense demand for such programs and their transformative impact. As it progresses, the scheme is set to revolutionize healthcare affordability and accessibility across India.

Source – Over 6.5 Lakh Enroll In Just 11 Days As Govt Expands Ayushman Bharat Cover To Senior Citizens