New Delhi: The Modi government at the center has given a big gift to the elderly. A big decision has been taken for the elderly in the cabinet meeting under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to the decision, all the elderly above 70 years of age will be given the benefit of ‘Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana’.
6 crore senior citizens will benefit
The purpose of expanding this facility is to benefit about 4.5 crore families, which include 6 crore senior citizens. They will get free health insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh per family.
Free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh
All senior citizens of 70 years and above will get the benefit of this scheme. That is, now the central government has abolished the age limit for this scheme and has decided to provide health facility up to Rs 5 lakh to every elderly of 70 plus under the Ayushman scheme.
There will be no income limit in this. That is, all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status, will be eligible to avail the benefits of this scheme.
Cabinet nod
After the cabinet meeting, Ashwini Vaishnav told the media, “PM Narendra Modi had committed that all senior citizens above the age of 70 years will be given coverage in Ayushman Bharat PM Jan Arogya Yojana. There are many families which are already covered in it and have senior citizens in them. Additional top-up coverage in such families will be Rs 5 lakh.”
In the year 2017, the Modi government started this scheme under the National Health Policy. There is also a provision to pay medical expenses 10 days before and after hospitalization under this scheme. However, there are some states which have refused to implement this scheme and there the state government itself is running its own scheme.
More than 34 crore Ayushman cards made
If we look at the government figures, the number of Ayushman cards being made under the Ayushman Bharat scheme is increasing rapidly and till June 30, 2024, their figure had exceeded 34.7 crores. By this period, 7.37 crore sick people worth up to Rs 1 lakh crore were approved for hospitalization. Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries can avail cashless and paperless health services in more than 29,000 listed hospitals across the country.
How many people in the family can get a card?
As many people as they want from a family can get Ayushman card made, but all these family members should be eligible for this scheme.
Who can take advantage of this scheme?
Talking about eligibility under Ayushman Bharat Yojna, all those living in rural areas, destitute or tribals, disabled people of Scheduled Caste or Tribe or those who work in the unorganized sector or make a living by doing daily wages are eligible under this scheme.
The Centre’s decision is considered a bold move for several reasons:
- Healthcare Accessibility for Vulnerable Population: The elderly population, particularly those above 70, often face multiple health challenges and comorbidities. Ensuring access to quality healthcare for them under the AB-PMJAY scheme addresses a crucial segment that is vulnerable to both chronic and acute health conditions.
- Increased Financial Support: Many elderly individuals may not have a steady income or savings, especially for those in lower economic strata.
- Demographic Challenges: India has a rapidly growing elderly population. With improvements in life expectancy, the need for better healthcare infrastructure for senior citizens is vital.
- Preventing Medical Bankruptcy: The elderly are prone to expensive healthcare interventions, such as surgeries and treatments for serious ailments.
- Focus on Inclusivity: The scheme’s expansion promotes inclusivity, providing benefits to a group that might otherwise be marginalized.
- Long-term Impact on Public Health: By ensuring timely medical intervention for the elderly, this move can reduce the burden of untreated diseases.
Follow these easy steps
Go to the official website pmjay.gov.in.
Click on the ‘Am I Eligible’ option on the homepage.
Now you have to submit your 10 digit mobile number.
After this, enter the OTP received on the number in the required place.
Now select your state on the screen, then enter the mobile number and ration card number.
After this, complete details will appear on your screen whether you are eligible or not.
This is how you can get your Ayushman card made
You can also call toll-free number-14555. If you are eligible for this, then you can go to the nearest CSC Center and apply with your documents. The documents that are sought while applying include Aadhaar Card, Residence Certificate, Ration Card, and an active mobile number.
