Centre extends Ayushman health insurance coverage to all above 70

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved extension of health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above irrespective of income under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).

After the Cabinet meeting, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made a commitment that all senior citizens above the age of 70 years will be given coverage under Ayushman Bharat



PM Jan Arogya Yojana. There are many families which are already covered and have senior citizens. In such families, additional coverage, top-up coverage will be Rs 5 lakh."

The coverage aims to benefit six crore senior citizens from 4.5 crore families with Rs five lakh free health insurance cover, the minister said.

Eligible beneficiaries will be issued a new distinct card under the scheme, he added.