Ayushman Bharat Scheme for Senior Citizens

Introduction

The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) has expanded to include all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, providing them with health insurance coverage irrespective of their income or socio-economic status. This initiative aims to ensure that elderly citizens receive necessary medical care without financial strain.

Benefits of the Scheme

• Health Coverage: Up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
• Cashless Treatment: Beneficiaries can avail of cashless treatments at any empanelled hospital across India.
• Comprehensive Care: Includes pre-hospitalization (up to 3 days), post-hospitalization expenses (up to 15 days), and covers most treatments.

Eligibility

• Age: All Indian citizens aged 70 years and above are eligible, regardless of their economic background.

How to Enroll in the Scheme: A Step-by-Step Guide for Seniors

1. Check Eligibility Online:
   • Visit the PMJAY Beneficiary Portal (beneficiary.nha.gov.in).
   • Click on “Am I Eligible”, enter your mobile number, and complete the CAPTCHA to receive an OTP.
2. Verification of Eligibility:
   • If your name appears based on the SECC 2011 data, proceed with the verification process.
3. Registration:
   • If not automatically enrolled, visit a nearby Health and Wellness Centre, Primary Health Centre, or a Common Service Centre (CSC).
   • Bring necessary documents like Aadhaar, proof of age, and residence. However, for seniors, some documentation might be simplified.
4. Card Generation:
   • After verification, you’ll receive an Ayushman Bharat Golden Card. This can often be done through face authentication or other simplified methods suitable for the elderly.
5. Using the Card:
   • Present this card at any empanelled hospital to avail of the scheme’s benefits. No payment is required for covered treatments.

Application Links

• For Online Application: Visit the PMJAY Official Site (beneficiary.nha.gov.in).
• Helpline: For assistance, call 14555 or 1800-111-565.

Conclusion

The expansion of Ayushman Bharat to include all seniors above 70 is a significant step towards universal health coverage in India, ensuring that age does not become a barrier to quality healthcare. This scheme not only alleviates financial stress related to health issues but also promotes a healthier society by making healthcare accessible to one of its most vulnerable groups.

For those looking to apply or understand more, diving into the official resources or reaching out through the helpline can provide further clarity and assistance.

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