• By Nidhi Giri
  • Tue, 29 Oct 2024 02:28 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND

Ayushman Bharat Arogya Yojana: In a big boost, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched health coverage for citizens above 70 years of age under the AB-PMJAY (Ayushman Bharat). The Union Cabinet approved the extended health coverage of Rs 5 lakh to the age group on September 11. As per the government, senior citizens with age equal to or greater than 70 will get lifetime health coverage of Rs 5 lakh irrespective of income. The move is set to benefit six crore senior citizens of 4.5 crore families.

During an event at All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi, coinciding with Dhanvantari Jayanti and the 9th Ayurveda Day, PM Modi handed over the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card to the beneficiaries. The launch of the Ayushman Bharat scheme for senior citizens above 70 years was announced last month.

Ayushman Bharat Arogya Yojana: Benefits of Scheme

The people under the concerned age category will be issued a distinct card. It is pertinent to note that Rs 5 lakh is the top-up cover for people aged 70 or above and will be separate from that the family is already getting under Ayushman Bharat. This means that elderly people will not be required to share their coverage with the members of their families.

Additionally, the senior citizens who are availing benefits of private policies or Employees' State Insurance scheme can also take benefit of the scheme.

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Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) and Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) beneficiary can also avail the benefit of Ayushman Bharat's extended cover for people aged 70 or above.

Ayushman Bharat Arogya Yojana: Eligibility Criteria

The applicant must be a permanent resident of India and at least 70 years of age.

Currently, the scheme is being rolled out in 33 states/UT except Delhi, Odisha and West Bengal. All citizens, equal or above 70 years of age.

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Ayushman Bharat Arogya Yojana: How To Apply?

Eligible people can avail of the benefits of the scheme by registering on the PMJAY portal or the Ayushman app.

Senior citizens who already have the Ayushman card will also have to make a fresh application and complete their eKYC for a new updated card.