The Modi government’s flagship Ayushman Bharat Yojana provides health insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh to economically weaker households. However, on Wednesday, the government clarified that it would cover seniors aged 70 and above, irrespective of their income levels. The Rs 5 lakh coverage will be exclusively for them, while the cover for those between 60 and 69 years of age will be shared with other family members of the same age or lesser.

As India’s old-age population is estimated to be around 20 per cent of the country’s total population by 2050, affordable healthcare for all will be a major challenge, which is still far from adequate. This decision is a significant step towards helping seniors meet their needs.

What Ayushman Bharat Yojana Scheme Offers?

The scheme provides Rs 5 lakh per family per annum for hospitalisation and tertiary care. The scheme currently covers over 12 crore families. Now, there will be an additional 4.5 crore families and six crore seniors.

The scheme provides cashless access to medical services and hospitalisation. It includes three-day pre-hospitalisation and 15-day post-hospitalisation expenses, including diagnostics and medicines. As per the scheme, all pre-existing diseases are covered from day one.

Barring Delhi and West Bengal, all states offer this scheme to their citizens. The scheme covers the following:

· Pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses

· Diagnostic and care cost

· Drug and other healthcare supplies

· Intensive care (ICU) and non-intensive care (non-ICU) services

· Laboratory services for various tests

· Accommodation (Room) services

· Follow-up care

What Medical Packages The Scheme Offers:

As per the government, some 1,400 health packages are specified under PM-JAY. States can add more packages and modify rates and the list of hospitals as required.

· Burns Management (Thermal, Scald, Flame, Electrical contact, Chemical, and Post Burn Contracture surgeries for Functional Improvement)

· Emergency (Laceration - Suturing / Dressing, Cardiopulmonary emergency, Animal bites (Excluding Snake Bite)

· Interventional Neuroradiology

· Cardiology

· Cardiology, Interventional Radiology, CTVS,

· General Medicine including Pediatric Medical Management

· Mental Disorders

· Neo-natal Care

· Medical Oncology

· Pediatric Medical Management

· Radiation Oncology

· Orthopedics

· Surgical Oncology

· Ophthalmology

· General Surgery, Oncology, Surgical Oncology

· Pediatric Surgery

· Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

· Neurosurgery

· Obstetrics and Gynecology

· ENT

· Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

· Polytrauma

· Urology

· CTVS

· Unspecified Surgical Package

How Seniors Can Benefit From The Update:

As per the government statement, senior citizens with private insurance are now eligible for PM-JAY. The senior citizens covered under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), and Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) can either choose their existing scheme or Ayushman Yojana. Beneficiaries will be issued a card to use the healthcare facility under the scheme.