Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for health sector projects worth over ₹12,850 crore in New Delhi. Among these, the Ayushman Bharat ‘Niramaya’ (AB-PMJAY) scheme was launched, providing significant health security for the elderly. Under this scheme, senior citizens aged 70 and above will receive free health insurance with a coverage of up to ₹5 lakh. Approximately 6 crore citizens from 4.50 crore families will benefit from the scheme.
To access the benefits, eligible individuals must register on the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Portal or the Ayushman App. The National Health Authority (NHA) has outlined the scheme’s key details. The NHA CEO confirmed that all elderly individuals aged 70 and above, irrespective of socio-economic status—be it poor, middle class, or wealthy—are eligible for the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card. Once the scheme is fully operational, cardholders can avail themselves of free treatment in any listed hospital up to ₹5 lakh.
Additional Top-Up for Elderly Beneficiaries
Senior citizens who are already covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme will need to re-apply for a new card and complete their EKYC again. Those aged 70 years and above, from families already enrolled in AB-PMJAY, will receive an additional top-up cover of up to ₹5 lakh per year for themselves. This amount will be exclusively for them and won’t be shared with other family members. As of September 1, 2024, 29,648 hospitals, including 12,696 private hospitals, are listed under PMJAY.
Age Determination and Registration Process
The beneficiary’s age will be determined based on the Aadhaar card. Aadhaar will be the only required document for registration, and Aadhaar-based E-KYC will be mandatory for the issuance of Ayushman cards for senior citizens, both from existing and new families.
Health Dept Bandipora Dist. registering Senior Citizens through door to door drive under Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana Card ensuring 05 lakh individual health insurance cover to them.@dicbandipora @dcbandipora @AyushmanNHA @MoHFW_INDIA @sha_jnk @diprjk @OfficeOfLGJandK pic.twitter.com/aRHwh7ZnW8
— Ayushman Bharat SEHAT Bandipore (@BPR_ABPMJAY) December 24, 2024
Eligibility with Other Health Schemes
If a senior citizen aged 70 or above is already part of another health insurance scheme like the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), or Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), they can opt for the scheme that best suits their needs.
Additional Benefits for Those with Other Health Insurance
Senior citizens who are enrolled in other health insurance schemes or private health plans can still avail themselves of an additional ₹5 lakh annually under the new Ayushman Yojana card. Beneficiaries of the Employees State Insurance Scheme (ESI) will also be eligible for the benefits of the expanded scheme, including an additional top-up of up to ₹5 lakh per year.
Govt made PMJAY 5 lakh health cover open for ALL Indians> 70 yrs. But
1) Just 3k active hospitals
2) Hospitals refusing PMJAY patients
3) Quality hospitals not empaneled
If you have private insurance, keep it. Even if expensive.
Story by @apri_sharma https://t.co/uVngXEqsvs pic.twitter.com/mvK4hiT3Ve— Neil Borate (@ActusDei) October 3, 2024
Application-Based Registration Only
- Registration under the scheme will be application-based for all eligible senior citizens.
- Eligible individuals can register anytime as the process will remain open throughout the year.
- A dedicated module for enrollment has been developed on the mobile Ayushman App and web portal (beneficial.nha.gov.in).
- Interested senior citizens need to apply through the app or portal to receive a unique Ayushman card.
- States and union territories are responsible for facilitating enrollment for all eligible senior citizens aged 70 years and above.
Programs to Raise Awareness
The government has directed states and union territories to conduct extensive awareness campaigns about the expanded scheme for senior citizens aged 70 years and above. This includes distributing information materials, organizing outreach programs, and spreading awareness widely. Additionally, active participation from empanelled hospitals, local government bodies, and healthcare organizations is vital to ensure the scheme benefits eligible senior citizens effectively.
How Will the Elderly Get Free Treatment?
- Special Ayushman cards distinct from the Family Ayushman Plan are provided to senior citizens.
- These cards became available starting October 29, with PM Modi personally distributing some during a program.
- The cards are issued via the BIS portal (https://bis.pmjay.gov.in/) or the Ayushman App.
- Beneficiaries must update their Aadhaar details and complete KYC for registration.
- Senior citizens with private health insurance can opt for either their private plan or Ayushman Bharat insurance.
- The scheme (AB-PMJAY Scheme) is applicable in private hospitals associated with AB-PMJAY, allowing seniors to receive treatment at empanelled facilities.