PM Modi to Expand Ayushman Bharat Health Coverage for Seniors Aged 70 and Above
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to announce a landmark expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) on Tuesday, significantly enhancing healthcare access for senior citizens aged 70 and above.
Taking to social media platform X, Modi shared, “Tomorrow, on Ayurveda Day at around 12:30 pm, transformative healthcare initiatives will be unveiled or have their foundation stones laid. In a historic step, Ayushman Bharat will be expanded to ensure healthcare for all citizens above the age of 70.”
As part of this initiative, seniors aged 70 and above from families already enrolled in AB PM-JAY will receive an exclusive annual health cover of up to ₹5 lakh, which will not need to be shared with younger family members. Additionally, other seniors in this age group will qualify for a family health cover of up to ₹5 lakh annually, according to officials.
This expansion reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the healthcare challenges faced by the elderly, particularly those with chronic illnesses or age-related conditions requiring long-term treatment. By ensuring dedicated health coverage, the scheme aims to reduce the financial strain on families while improving access to quality medical care for older adults.
Experts have lauded the initiative as a critical step towards creating a more inclusive healthcare system. With the aging population in India growing steadily, targeted measures like this are seen as vital for meeting the demands of geriatric care.
The announcement comes as part of a broader strategy to enhance the scope of Ayushman Bharat, which has already provided substantial relief to millions of families across the country. By extending the benefits to senior citizens, the government seeks to uphold its vision of “healthcare for all,” ensuring that the most vulnerable sections of society receive the attention and support they deserve.
The rollout of this initiative on Ayurveda Day underscores the government’s recognition of holistic healthcare approaches while simultaneously addressing the modern medical needs of senior citizens. The focus on affordability and accessibility will likely have a long-lasting impact on the quality of life for the elderly population in India.
This historic expansion not only marks a milestone in healthcare reform but also highlights the government’s effort to prioritize the well-being of senior citizens, paving the way for a healthier and more secure future for India’s aging population.