The Union Government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has expanded the scope of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana to include senior citizens.
Under this scheme, senior citizens over 70 can obtain an Ayushman card irrespective of their income group.
With the Ayushman card, senior citizens can rest assured that they can receive free treatment for diseases up to Rs. 5 lakh at any hospital in the country.
The central government has outlined how to obtain the Ayushman Bharat card to access the scheme’s benefits, which provide comprehensive coverage for healthcare needs.
Senior citizens can obtain the Ayushman card through a mobile app, eliminating the need to visit any office. Only a few essential documents are required for this process. The government will issue orders about this within a week and has launched a campaign.
Senior citizens can acquire the Ayushman card through the mobile app using their Aadhaar card, enabling them to receive free treatment for various severe diseases at any hospital.
As of June 30, 2024, government figures indicate that 34.7 crore people have obtained Ayushman cards under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, a testament to the government’s commitment to healthcare for all.
Moreover, senior citizens will now have a new card tailored to them under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. New registration is required; senior citizens can receive free treatment up to Rs. 5 lakh at any hospital after obtaining the card.
The central government also mentioned that seniors aged 70 years or above who benefit from central government health schemes can opt for an Ayushman card under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Individuals aged 70 years or above with private health insurance can also enroll under this scheme.
For information related to the Ayushman card, individuals can call the toll-free number 14555 to inquire about the required documents for card issuance and the hospitals where this facility is available.
It is important to note that the Ayushman scheme is not currently implemented in Delhi, Odisha, and West Bengal, as these state governments are not participating. Consequently, no Ayushman Yojana benefits are available for senior citizens in these states.
Senior citizens can access the following vital services under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, up to Rs 5 lakh:
- Medical tests and treatment
- Food and accommodation facilities during hospital treatment
- Operations, surgeries, and other medical procedures
- Medicines and medical supplies
- ICU services are non-ICU services
- Tests
- Medical implants (if needed)
- Complications that may arise during treatment
- Pre-hospitalization care (up to 3 days before admission)
- Post-hospitalization follow-up care after discharge (up to 15 days)
Senior citizens who are already availing the benefits of any government health insurance scheme like the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), or Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) can join their existing scheme.
You can benefit from the Ayushman Bharat scheme even if covered under a private health insurance policy or the Employees State Insurance Scheme (ESIC).
How to apply for an Ayushman Bharat Card?
- You can apply for this scheme by visiting the official website of Ayushman Bharat: https://abdm.gov.in/.
- Senior citizens can also apply by visiting their nearest PMJAY center.
- Necessary documents, including an Aadhaar and a Ration Card, must be submitted while applying.
- Once the application is processed, the senior citizen will receive an e-card with a unique AB-PMJAY ID.
- This card allows them to access all health services under the scheme.
Ayushman Bharat for Senior Citizens (Above 70 years)
The Central Government has introduced an accessible annual health insurance facility of ₹5 lakh for all individuals above 70 years of age across the country, regardless of their economic status. This initiative is part of the ‘Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana’ (PMJAY).
It is estimated that around six crore senior citizens, a significant portion of our population, will benefit from this scheme.
Based on their family size, those with an Ayushman card can avail of coverage up to ₹5 lakh annually, a substantial amount that can significantly ease the burden of healthcare costs.
This health insurance scheme covers elderly individuals from all social and economic backgrounds. New cards will be issued to senior citizens who apply for them.
For those already covered under Ayushman Bharat, additional coverage of ₹5 lakh will now be available. If a family has two individuals over 70, they will each receive half the benefit.
This flexibility empowers them to make the best health insurance decision for their needs. Those benefiting from private health insurance and state labor insurance can also access this ₹5 lakh benefit, further expanding their options.