The Union government has approved health coverage to everyone who is 70 and above under the national insurance scheme Ayushman Bharat.
The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) will benefit 4.5 crore families with six crore senior citizens.
The free cover is worth ₹ 5 lakh and will be on a family basis.
All senior citizens of the age 70 years and above irrespective of their socio- economic status would be eligible to avail the benefits of AB PM-JAY.
The eligible senior citizens would be issued a new distinct card under AB PM-JAY.
Senior citizens of the age 70 years and above belonging to families already covered under AB PM-JAY will get an additional top-up cover up to ₹ 5 lakh per year for themselves.