Aim of health coverage to all above 70 is to address challenges faced by them, Rajya Sabha told
Ayushman Bharat scheme is to address the distinct challenges faced by senior citizens and to reduce the economic vulnerabilities of this group, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Tuesday. Responding to a question, Union Health Minister J P Nadda said that on October 29, 2024, the government expanded Ayushman Bharat — Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) to provide free treatment benefits of up to Rs 5 lakh per year to all aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status.
«The aim of this expansion is to address the distinct challenges faced by senior citizens, including limited access to affordable healthcare and a significant disease burden. Many elderly individuals suffer from chronic illnesses and disabilities, highlighting the urgent need for targeted healthcare interventions,» he said.
The initiative also strives to reduce the economic vulnerabilities of this group, as a substantial portion is no longer employed, leading to high dependency on others, Nadda said.
The enrolment of all eligible senior citizens aged 70 years and above is application-based, allowing beneficiaries to apply for and obtain their Ayushman Vay Vandana card.
Different modes of application are available for enrolment in the scheme, including mobile phone application (Ayushman app) and web portal (beneficiary.nha.gov.in), he said.
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