All Citizens Aged 70 & Above to Get Health Insurance Cover Under Ayushman Bharat

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved extending health coverage under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decision after the Cabinet meeting, stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised to provide coverage for all senior citizens in this age group. For families already covered under the scheme, an additional top-up of ₹5 lakh health insurance will be provided for senior members.

This initiative is expected to benefit around six crore senior citizens from 4.5 crore families, offering free health insurance of ₹5 lakh per family. Beneficiaries will receive a new, distinct card under the scheme.

Additionally, senior citizens already enrolled in other government health schemes, including the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), or Ayushman CAPF, may either continue with their current coverage or opt for AB-PMJAY.