Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of projects worth more than Rs 12,850 crore related to the health sector in New Delhi. The schemes launched by PM Modi also include the name of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). Through this scheme, the elderly of the country are going to get a big health security cover. Now every elderly person aged 70 years and above will get health insurance. Free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh can be done under this health insurance scheme. 6 crore citizens of about 4.50 crore families will come under the scope of the scheme. To avail of the benefits of the scheme, registration has to be done on the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Portal or Ayushman App.
This is not the first time that the scheme has been expanded. The number of beneficiaries in the AB PMJAY scheme has been increasing continuously. Initially, 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families, comprising the bottom 40% of India’s population, were covered under the scheme. In January 2022, the Center expanded the beneficiary base from 10.74 crore to 12 crore families, keeping in mind India’s population growth of 11.7% compared to the 2011 population.
The main features of this scheme are that all senior citizens aged 70 years and above will get its benefit. In this, their socio-economic status will not matter. Poor, middle-class, or rich all are eligible to get an Ayushman card, and when the expanded scheme starts, they can get free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh in any listed hospital.
There will be several economic benefits of this coverage for senior citizens, as firstly, the scheme will cut family expenses, thus freeing funds for other spending and thus boosting the economic power of the family. Additionally, subsidised healthcare will also reduce financial strain on families with elderly members. Thus extending coverage offers a safety net for senior citizens and also fosters equity and grassroots economic stability.
The scheme will also make these elderly citizens financially strong as now they will not have to look up to their children when it comes to medical emergencies. The health coverage will also ensure timely medical attention without any hassle to the elderly in terms of finances. The free medical help will also ensure that the savings of senior citizens are not spent on expensive treatments. They can thus live their retired life without the tension of having to save for medical emergencies and be economically free to spend on a quality life.
