In a landmark decision, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has expanded the scope of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) to provide universal health coverage for all citizens aged 70 years and above. This initiative aims to ensure healthcare access and financial protection for senior citizens, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

Announced by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during a Cabinet briefing, the decision introduces an additional top-up health cover of ₹5 lakh per year for senior citizens in families already covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. The health coverage, which previously catered to families from economically disadvantaged backgrounds based on the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC), will now extend to senior citizens across all economic strata, benefiting an estimated 6 crore individuals aged 70 and above.

“This decision is a significant step towards ensuring dignity, care, and security for our senior citizens. It aligns with the government’s commitment to providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare for every Indian,” Prime Minister Modi stated.

For families already enrolled in the scheme, the top-up health cover of ₹5 lakh will be shared between the senior citizens within the family. Meanwhile, middle and upper-middle-class families who were not previously eligible will now receive similar health coverage for their senior members.

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The expansion of the AB-PMJAY is expected to enhance social security for the elderly population, especially as India experiences a shift towards more nuclear family structures. By extending healthcare coverage to senior citizens, the government aims to address the growing healthcare needs of the elderly while alleviating the financial burden on families.

With this decision, the government strengthens its commitment to inclusive healthcare and the well-being of senior citizens, reinforcing the Ayushman Bharat scheme as a pillar of India’s healthcare system.

This move comes as part of the government’s larger vision to provide healthcare support to over 12.3 crore families through Ayushman Bharat, offering financial protection for secondary and tertiary medical services.

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