Low-cost health cover likely for 100 million more families

Middle-income households to benefit

- SURABHI

THE CENTRE IS looking to extend healthcare benefits under the Pradhan Ayushman Bharat Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (ABPMJAY)- to a wider section of population in order to cover the middle-income segment as well.

According to sources, the Niti Aayog is looking into various models and the viability of such a move. It is understood to have sought data on various health insurance schemes being run by different ministries to understand how to expand the coverage of the flagship scheme on a viable basis.

Discussions are understood to have also taken place with insurance companies to understand their interest in such an expansion of the scheme as well as the need for any financial support. The scheme may be extended to another 100 million or more families at a nominal fee on the models of the flagship life and accident insurance schemes of the government. Insurance companies would be tapped for this model.