Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched an extension of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), offering free health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above.

This initiative is a significant step toward providing financial protection and medical support to India’s aging population, ensuring they receive the care they need without the burden of high medical expenses.

Key Highlights of the Scheme

• Coverage Amount: Eligible senior citizens will receive health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year.

• Eligibility: All individuals aged 70 and above, irrespective of income, are eligible. This includes those already enrolled in AB PM-JAY through their families.

• Additional Benefits: Senior citizens in families already covered under AB PM-JAY will receive an additional top-up cover of ₹5 lakh per year, exclusively for them. This ensures they can access treatment without affecting the family’s existing coverage.

• Implementation: The scheme is operational in 33 states and Union Territories, excluding Delhi, Odisha, and West Bengal.

• Registration: Eligible individuals can register via the official PMJAY portal or through the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) app. Once registered, senior citizens can avail cashless treatment at all empaneled hospitals.