The government has announced a significant update under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) scheme: citizens above 70 years of age are now eligible for health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year. This initiative aims to provide financial protection and improve access to healthcare for senior citizens.

1. About Ayushman Bharat

· Launched: 2018

· Purpose: To provide health insurance and cashless medical treatment to vulnerable families

· Coverage: Up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalization

· Beneficiaries: Economically weaker sections, identified through socioeconomic criteria

Ayushman Bharat is one of the largest government-funded health insurance programs in the world.

2. Update for Citizens Above 70

· Eligibility Expansion: Individuals aged 70 and above are now explicitly eligible, even if they do not fall under traditional socio-economic criteria.

· Coverage Amount: ₹5 lakh per year for medical treatment, including hospitalization, surgeries, and other critical procedures.

· Objective: To reduce the financial burden on senior citizens and ensure timely medical care.

3. Eligibility Criteria

To avail the benefits, senior citizens must meet the following:

· Age: 70 years or older

· Residential Proof: Must be a citizen of India

· Documentation: Aadhaar card, age proof, and Ayushman Bharat enrollment ID (if already enrolled)

· Exclusions: Pre-existing private insurance coverage may affect eligibility

4. How to Avail Benefits

1. Check Eligibility: Visit the official PM-JAY portal (pmjay.gov.in)

2. Enrollment: If not already enrolled, register using Aadhaar and personal details

3. Hospital Selection: Seek treatment at empanelled hospitals under PM-JAY

4. Cashless Treatment: Eligible citizens can receive treatment without paying upfront

5. Claim Process: Hospitals coordinate directly with PM-JAY for reimbursement

5. Benefits for Senior Citizens

· Financial Security: Up to ₹5 lakh coverage annually

· Access to Quality Healthcare: Treatment in government and private empanelled hospitals

· Cashless and Hassle-Free: Reduces out-of-pocket expenditure

· Inclusive Healthcare: Ensures older adults receive timely medical attention

6. Important Points

· Benefits are portable across india at empanelled hospitals

· Coverage includes secondary and tertiary care procedures, critical illnesses, and surgeries

· Family members can also continue to use standard PM-JAY benefits

7. Conclusion

This Ayushman Bharat update empowers senior citizens above 70 by providing financial protection and access to quality healthcare. Citizens are encouraged to check eligibility and enroll promptly to take full advantage of the ₹5 lakh annual health coverage.

 

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