The Central government is about to launch a new phase of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (ABPM-JAY) scheme, which will initially begin as a pilot project. This move, approved by the Union Cabinet on September 11, aims to provide health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of their income.
Pilot Launch and Coverage Details
The scheme will start with a pilot launch to identify and address any issues before the full rollout. Once operational, it will offer a significant benefit to senior citizens, covering up to 5 lakh rupees per family each year. This new coverage is expected to bring substantial relief to the elderly population, particularly benefiting women, as 58% of those aged 70 and above are women, and 54% of them are widows.
Streamlined Access and Registration
Eligible seniors will receive a new health card, which will make accessing healthcare services easier. To enroll, beneficiaries must first register on the scheme’s online portal. The portal will offer face authentication for seniors, with a dedicated link for those aged 70 and above.
Awareness Campaign and Immediate Benefits
The Union Ministry of Health will launch a comprehensive media campaign to raise awareness about the scheme. This will include advertisements on various media platforms and outreach through community workers. Once registered and authenticated, seniors can start using their health card immediately—there’s no waiting or cooling-off period.
Funding and State Participation
The Central government will continue to fund 60% of the scheme’s cost. States have the option to expand or modify the scheme as they see fit, including adding other age groups if desired. Some states have already extended the scheme beyond the initial criteria, covering more beneficiaries with additional state-funded premiums.
Reapplication for Existing Cardholders
Seniors who already have an Ayushman card will need to reapply for a new card and complete the eKYC process again. Those with private insurance or ESIC benefits are also eligible to apply for the ABPM-JAY scheme.
Impact and Future Plans
This expansion will add about 2 crore families and 3 crore individuals to the scheme. Over 6 crore people have already benefited from ABPM-JAY, significantly reducing their out-of-pocket medical expenses by around 1 lakh crore rupees. The government plans to enhance the scheme further by including more packages focused on geriatric care.
The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana’s new phase aims to provide essential health coverage to a large segment of senior citizens, ensuring better healthcare access and financial relief.
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