Health Insurance For Senior Citizens: Coverage for Age above 70



Quick Summary
The Indian government is expanding the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to offer free health insurance to all citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income. This scheme provides an annual health coverage of Rs. 5 lakhs per family, covering various medical expenses including pre- and post-hospitalisation, consultations, medicines, and accommodation. Senior citizens who are already beneficiaries of AB PM-JAY will receive an additional Rs. 5 lakh top-up cover, and those under other schemes can opt into AB PM-JAY.

Health insurance for senior citizens provides medical coverage to individuals which covers pre- and post-hospitalization expenses, daycare procedures, and sometimes critical illness.

Is it possible to provide free health service to the most populated country?

Yes, the Goverment made an announcement to offer free health insurance coverage in India who are above the age of 70.

The government is basically expanding the scheme of existing one i.e., Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.

Under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), the government provides free medical treatment to Ayushman card holder of Rs. 5 lakhs.

Purpose of Ayushman Card

To reduce medical expenses.

What is Ayushman Card?

Ayushman Card is a digital card with which beneficiaries can benefit this scheme.

Effective Date

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana was started on 23rd September 2018.

In this scheme, every family gets 5 lakh per annum as a annual insurance cover in which secondary and tertiary care hospitalization coverage is given.

Who bears the cost AB PM-JAY?

The entire cost borne by Central and state Government.

Expenses Covered under this Health Insurance for Senior Citizens

  • Medical examination
  • Treatment
  • Consultation,
  • Surgeon charges
  • Medicines, Non-intensive and intensive care units.
  • Diagnostic and laboratory investigations
  • Accommodation benefits (including OT and ICU charges)
  • Food services
  • Expenses related to complications during treatment are covered.

Benefit from the Expansion of the AB PM-JAY Scheme for Senior Citizens

Free Health Coverage for Senior Citizens 70+

All senior citizens whose age is 70 years and above, regardless of income, are eligible for health coverage under AB PM-JAY.

Coverage

Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for health insurance, benefiting 6 crore senior citizens.

New Health Cards

Distinct cards will be issued for eligible seniors.

Top-up for Existing Beneficiaries

Seniors in families already covered under AB PM-JAY will receive an additional top-up cover of Rs. 5 lakh for themselves.

Choice for Existing Scheme Users

Seniors under CGHS, ECHS, CAPF, private insurance, or ESIC can opt for AB PM-JAY.

Income Tax For Senior Citizens Click Here

FAQs

How does PM-JAY help beneficiaries at the point of service?

PM-JAY provides cashless access to healthcare services at empanelled public and private hospitals across India.

Are there any restrictions on family size, age, or gender under PM-JAY?

No, PM-JAY has no restrictions on family size, age, or gender.

Can beneficiaries access PM-JAY services anywhere in India?

Yes, PM-JAY benefits are portable and can be accessed at any empanelled hospital across the country.

FAQ :

AB PM-JAY is a government scheme that provides free medical treatment and health insurance coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year to eligible beneficiaries.

All senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their income, are eligible for health coverage under the expanded AB PM-JAY scheme.

The scheme covers medical examination, treatment, consultation, surgeon charges, medicines, diagnostic and laboratory investigations, accommodation benefits (including OT and ICU charges), food services, and expenses related to complications during treatment.

PM-JAY provides cashless access to healthcare services at empanelled public and private hospitals across India, meaning beneficiaries don't have to pay upfront for covered treatments.

Yes, PM-JAY benefits are portable and can be accessed at any empanelled hospital across the country.




About the Author

Finance Professional

I write about Income Tax, GST, TDS, RBI updates, government schemes, and personal finance in India. My focus is on simplifying complex tax and compliance topics into easy-to-understand guides that help readers stay updated with the latest financial rules, investment options, and regulatory changes.

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