Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, October 29, 2024, launched a revamped Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), also called Ayushman Bharat Yojana that provides Rs 5 lakh health insurance coverage exclusively to seniors aged 70 and above, regardless of their financial background. The scheme has already been in existence since 2018, under which Rs 5 lakh coverage is provided per family, including a senior citizen. However, the updated scheme now provides the same amount exclusively to each citizen above 70 years of age.

The launch coincided with the birth anniversary of the Hindu god of medicine, “Dhanvantari”, celebrated as “Danwantari Jayanti”. Modi also distributed the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card to seniors who gathered in the national capital from different states to mark the launch function.

Also Read: Why Delay In Retirement Planning Can Cost You Dearly

On September 11, 2024, the Union Cabinet announced to include senior citizens who are 70 years and above under the scheme, irrespective of their income status. The updated version of the scheme is expected to benefit some six crore senior citizens and 12.3 crore families.

About The Ayushman Bharat Yojana Scheme

The scheme offers health insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family, including citizens aged 60 and above but less than 70. Additionally, those 70 and above, will get Rs 5 lakh exclusive coverage. So, families with senior citizens aged 70 and above will get Rs 10 lakh coverage.

The coverage includes pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses, including room rent, medicines, diagnostic tests, etc. The eligible person can avail of the benefits at any government hospital or an empanelled private hospital. The scheme provides cashless facility, which means the cardholder will get free treatment up to the set limit. The updated scheme will be available in all states except Delhi and West Bengal.

Also Read: New NPS Subscriptions Plunge By 50% From April To August: What Is Behind The Decline

Other Healthcare-Related Launches:

Modi also launched the project for an All India Institute of Ayurveda in Delhi, which will have a Panchakarma hospital, an ayurvedic pharmacy, a library, a sports medicine unit, and a start-up incubation centre. He also launched a helicopter service at AIIMS Rishikesh for emergency medical evacuation, and drone services at 11 tertiary healthcare institutions.

Modi also virtually launched the U-WIN portal for digitizing the vaccination process for pregnant women and infants, a separate portal with a database of healthcare professionals and institutes, and medical and nursing colleges in several cities.