Cabinet approves ₹5 lakh Health Cover for Senior Citizens | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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Cabinet approves ₹5 lakh Health Cover for Senior Citizens

Posted 13 Sep 2024

2 min read

Union Cabinet approved health cover for senior citizens under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).

  • Scheme is set to benefit about 6 crore senior citizens.

Details of expansion:

  • Eligibility Criteria: All senior citizens aged 70 and above regardless of their income.
  • Benefits offered: Senior citizens will receive a family-based cover of Rs. 5 lakh annually.
    • Those already covered by AB PM-JAY will receive an additional top-up of Rs. 5 lakh annually, separate from their family’s existing cover.
  • Ease of Access: Eligible senior citizens will be issued a distinct card.
  • Senior citizens already availing benefits of other public health insurance schemes may either choose their existing scheme or AB PM-JAY.
  • Senior citizens under private health insurance or Employees’ State Insurance schemes are also eligible for AB PM-JAY benefits.

About AB PM-JAY Scheme:

  • Ministry: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
  • Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme under Ayushman Bharat Mission
  • Target: 12 crore families (approximately 55 crore beneficiaries)
  • Purpose: To achieve the agenda of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
  • Benefits: Providing health cover of Rs. 5 lakh/family/year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
    • Covers up to 3 days of pre-hospitalization and 15 days post-hospitalization expenses such as diagnostics and medicines.
  • It is the world's largest publicly funded health assurance scheme.

Other Schemes for Senior Citizens:

  • Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana: To improve the quality of life of senior citizens.
  • Senior Aging Growth Engine (SAGE) initiative: To promote and incentivize senior care products and services.
  • Senior Able Citizens for Re-Employment in Dignity or SACRED portal: To connect senior citizens with job providers in the private sector.
  • Tags :
  • Health
  • Senior Care
  • Ayushman Bharat
  • AB PM-JAY
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