AYUSHMAN BHARAT AND SENIOR CITIZENS

The extension of the national PMJAY health insurance scheme to over-70 seniors could be a social security game-changer. Meanwhile, relief for depositors if your bank fails

- Narayan Krishnamurthy

In a move that will help senior citizens across all strata access healthcare, the government has expanded the scope of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (ABPMJAY) to include senior citizens aged over 70. When it was launched in 2018, the AB-PMJAY offered health insurance cover up to Rs 5 lakh to families living below the poverty line. Now, the scheme has been extended to all senior citizens and has no barrier on income they earn. The scheme continues to operate on a family approach, which means the Rs 5 lakh coverage is limited to each family.

Increasing longevity and a larger section of the population living in their 70s means the PMJAY provides financial support for families especially when they face health issues. It is well-known that healthcare is expensive, and as one gets older the complications also go up, making it difficult for families to pay for expensive treatments. The lack of treatment owing to high costs can result in the elderly suffering quietly for long periods. By expanding the beneficiaries in this scheme, the government is providing hope for those seeking healthcare.