Delhi: On Dhanteras, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a new phase of the Ayushman scheme, providing free healthcare for individuals over 70 years old, regardless of their income. Previously, the scheme only covered low-income families, but the government has now removed income limits for seniors. PM Modi personally distributed cards to several elderly beneficiaries during the announcement, with Health Minister JP Nadda present.
This initiative will be separate from the family Ayushman plan and will fall under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), which received cabinet approval on September 11, 2024. Beneficiaries will receive dedicated cards, and families already benefiting from the scheme will get an additional annual top-up of ₹5 lakh for elderly members.
Under this plan, eligible seniors can receive up to ₹5 lakh in free healthcare annually, with no conditions regarding income, pension, bank balance, land, or pre-existing conditions. The coverage includes pre- and post-hospitalization expenses, medical tests, surgeries, and medication costs.
Shashi Rai
