Seniors 70+ to Receive Enhanced Ayushman Bharat Benefits

The Modi government has extended the Ayushman Bharat scheme to include all seniors aged 70 and above, providing up to Rs 5 lakh in annual health insurance coverage. This new policy aims to address the high medical expenses and inadequate insurance options faced by the elderly, especially after the pandemic. Seniors currently covered by other schemes can choose to switch to Ayushman Bharat or maintain their existing coverage.

CONTENTS:

• Free health insurance expanded for seniors.
• Health insurance extended for elderly needs.
• Expanded coverage addresses seniors’ critical needs.

Seniors 70+ to Receive Enhanced Ayushman Bharat Benefits

Free health insurance expanded for seniors

Nearly 25% of hospital admissions under the Ayushman Bharat scheme have been senior citizens, highlighting the need for expanded coverage. In response, the Modi government has extended the free health insurance scheme to everyone aged 70 and above.

The Cabinet approved this decision on Wednesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced this initiative in April as part of the BJP’s manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Data from News18 reveals that senior citizens account for about 24% of total admissions under the scheme since its launch over five years ago, with over one crore senior citizens hospitalized. The new policy will now benefit 4.5 crore families, totaling around six crore citizens aged 70 and above, offering them Rs 5 lakh in free health insurance coverage per family.

Health insurance extended for elderly needs

Seniors 70+ to Receive Enhanced Ayushman Bharat The BJP incorporated the promise to extend health insurance to seniors above 70 years old into their manifesto based on widespread public feedback, and this promise has now been fulfilled. Many senior citizens over 70 face abandonment by their families or struggle to afford medical treatment due to a lack of financial resources.

Most medical insurance companies either do not offer coverage to individuals over 70 or charge prohibitively high premiums, which many middle-class families cannot afford. Additionally, insurers that do provide coverage often include pre-ailment clauses that exclude existing conditions for two to three years.

Data from the Ayushman Bharat scheme indicates that seniors are in dire need of medical insurance, as they are more susceptible to illnesses and serious conditions such as heart disease, kidney problems, and lung or brain diseases. Dialysis, which is frequently claimed under Ayushman Bharat, is a common treatment among seniors.

Expanded coverage addresses seniors’ critical needs

Seniors 70+ to Receive Enhanced Ayushman Bharat The situation for those over 70 has become even more critical after the Covid-19 pandemic, as their immunity has been significantly weakened. Many seniors with serious health issues face expensive medical treatments, and middle-class families are often left to either pay out-of-pocket or deal with exorbitant insurance premiums that strain their budgets.

Under the new extension of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, all seniors aged 70 and above will now be eligible for benefits regardless of their socio-economic status. Those who are already covered by Ayushman Bharat will receive an additional top-up cover of up to Rs 5 lakh per year specifically for their own medical needs, without affecting the coverage for other family members under 70. For other seniors aged 70 and above, the coverage will be up to Rs 5 lakh per year on a family basis.

Seniors aged 70 and above who are currently benefiting from other public health insurance schemes, such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), or Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), can either continue with their existing scheme or switch to Ayushman Bharat. Additionally, seniors with private health insurance or coverage under the Employees’ State Insurance scheme are also eligible for Ayushman Bharat benefits.