New Delhi: The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) is about to bring major relief to India’s elderly population. On October 29, the government will launch a new phase in this health scheme, offering free health insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per year specifically for citizens aged 70 and above. With the distribution of new Ayushman Cards, this expansion promises to extend health coverage to millions across the country, regardless of economic status.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to announce this extension of Ayushman Bharat, alongside launching the U-WIN portal for digital vaccination records, marking an essential milestone in India’s health care initiatives.
Widespread Benefits: Coverage for 6 Crore Elderly Citizens
The new phase of Ayushman Bharat aims to reach about 6 crore senior citizens from roughly 4.5 crore families. With this expanded initiative, all eligible seniors, regardless of their financial background—whether from poor, middle-class, or affluent households—will receive a health insurance cover up to Rs 5 lakh each year. The coverage will be applicable in both public and private hospitals affiliated with AB PM-JAY, making high-quality health care accessible for millions across India.
This expansion aligns with the government’s goal of ensuring inclusive health care for India’s elderly population, significantly reducing their out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Digital Vaccination Tracking: The U-WIN Portal Launch
Alongside the Ayushman Bharat expansion, the U-WIN portal is set to go live. Designed as a digital vaccination management platform similar to the Co-WIN system used during COVID-19, the U-WIN portal will keep a permanent digital record of vaccinations for pregnant women and children up to 17 years old. Initially piloted on a smaller scale, the U-WIN portal is now ready for nationwide use and will help create an accessible, organized record of immunizations, aiming to improve India’s overall vaccination tracking system.
Key Facts About the New Ayushman Bharat Expansion
The Ayushman Bharat expansion will come with a new set of guidelines and facilities for senior citizens, making the scheme more inclusive and tailored to their needs:
- Ayushman Card Reissuance: Those who already hold an Ayushman Card will need to reapply for the new card and complete an eKYC process.
- Eligibility Verification: Any citizen aged 70 or older can apply for the scheme using their Aadhaar card for age verification.
- Additional Top-Up for Existing Beneficiaries: Seniors above 70 who are from families already covered under AB PM-JAY will receive an additional coverage amount of Rs 5 lakh exclusively for themselves, which other younger family members cannot use.
- Annual Family Coverage for Others: Those not currently under AB PM-JAY but are aged 70 and above will receive Rs 5 lakh annual coverage on a family basis.
- Option to Choose Scheme: Seniors who are already covered under other public health insurance plans like the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), or the Ayushman Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) can choose to stay with their existing plan or switch to the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
- Open for Private Insured Individuals: Even those enrolled in private health insurance or Employees State Insurance Scheme (ESIS) can avail of Ayushman Bharat benefits.
Ayushman Bharat’s Journey: From the Vulnerable to Widespread Coverage
The Ayushman Bharat Yojana was initially launched to cover the bottom 40% of India’s economically vulnerable population. Since then, the scheme has grown significantly. In January 2022, the number of beneficiaries was expanded from 10.74 crore to 12 crore families to keep pace with India’s growing population. The scheme now benefits a broad segment of society, providing free health coverage to essential workers like ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers, Anganwadi workers, and other health support workers.
According to recent data, Ayushman Bharat has supported over 7.37 crore hospitalizations, with nearly half of the beneficiaries being women. The total value of health care provided so far has surpassed Rs 1 lakh crore, highlighting the scheme’s impact on making health care more accessible.
Ayushman Bharat’s Network: Growing Hospital Affiliations Nationwide
The success of Ayushman Bharat has been possible due to the expanding network of hospitals under its coverage. Currently, the scheme is operational in 33 states and union territories, excluding Delhi, Odisha, and West Bengal. Across India, 29,648 hospitals, including 12,696 private ones, are now part of this network. This extensive reach ensures that patients can access quality medical care in most regions, giving them multiple treatment options close to home.
Looking Ahead: Improved Health Access for India’s Senior Citizens
The Ayushman Bharat scheme’s new phase comes as a welcome move, making it easier for senior citizens to access health care without financial strain. This expansion underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring health care security for all citizens, especially those in their later years, who often face high medical expenses. With the rollout of the U-WIN portal, this initiative also strengthens India’s digital health infrastructure, aiming for a streamlined health care experience for both young and old alike.
As the October 29 launch date approaches, India’s elderly population and their families look forward to this new chapter in health care, hoping it brings much-needed relief and security.
