The much-awaited Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Scheme for senior citizens has been launched. Under this scheme, senior citizens are eligible for free treatment of up to ₹5 lakh. This initiative by the Government of India is expected to benefit 6 crore senior citizens from around 4.5 crore families. If a family has more than one senior citizen eligible for this scheme, the ₹5 lakh health insurance will be shared among them, as the coverage is provided on a per-family basis.
Free Health Coverage for Senior Citizens Aged 70+
Under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana), all senior citizens aged 70 years or above are eligible for free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh. This coverage is available regardless of their financial status, benefiting people from all income groups.
Ayushman Card Issuance
Eligible senior citizens aged 70 or above will receive a separate Ayushman card. This card is universal and does not have any income limit, covering individuals from poor, middle-class, or upper-class backgrounds.
Important Document Requirement
To register for Ayushman Bharat Yojana, senior citizens aged 70 years or above must have an Aadhaar card. Aadhaar-based e-KYC is mandatory for enrollment and issuance of the Ayushman card. Without Aadhaar, senior citizens cannot receive the card.
Immediate Treatment Coverage
Beneficiaries aged 70 and above can start treatment immediately after enrolling in the scheme. There is no waiting period for any disease or treatment, ensuring immediate coverage once the registration is complete.
Eligibility Criteria
The only eligibility requirement for this scheme is that the individual must be 70 years or older. Age is determined based on the date of birth recorded in the Aadhaar card, irrespective of their financial background. Aadhaar is the sole document needed for enrollment in the Senior Citizen Scheme, and all eligible senior citizens will be issued a separate Ayushman card.