Golden Years, Golden Care: India Expands Health Coverage for Seniors

The Government of India has just extended the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) coverage to all citizens aged 70 years and above, across socio-economic groups. The expansion would ensure complete health cover, including secondary and tertiary care of Rs 5 lakh per year, with a top-up for existing PM-JAY beneficiaries. Cashless hospitalization is made available through over 29,000 empanelled hospitals. But a parliamentary committee has proposed reducing the age bracket to 60 years and raising the coverage annually to Rs 10 lakh. This move will provide greater access to healthcare for a larger group of elderly people. The hike and possible modifications indicate the attempt by the government to meet the increasing health demands of India's aging population.

 

Source: Business Today, Times Of India, pib.gov