The Government of India has made healthcare more accessible by expanding the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
Senior citizens aged 70 years and above can now join this scheme, regardless of their income.
The goal is to benefit about 4.5 crore families in India, providing ₹5 lakh health insurance coverage for about 6 crore senior citizens.
How to Apply for Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY
Senior citizens aged 70 and above can apply for the Ayushman card online. The government has set up a special portal and app for this purpose.
Documents needed
Aadhar card
Mobile number
Email ID
Step-by-Step Process to Apply Online
Visit the Portal: Go to the official National Health Authority (NHA) website.
Login: Enter your mobile number, fill in the captcha, and verify with an OTP.
Click the Banner: Click on the banner for senior citizens aged 70+.
Fill in Details: Enter your state, district, and Aadhaar number.
Complete eKYC: Complete the KYC process using your Aadhaar OTP and upload a recent photo.
Download the Card: After approval, you can download your card within 15 minutes.
Applying Through the Ayushman App
Download the App: Download the Ayushman App from the Google Play Store.
Login: Log in with your mobile number and OTP.
Fill in Details: Enter your Aadhaar details and complete the declaration form.
Upload a Photo: Upload a recent photo.
Submit Application: Enter family details and complete the eKYC process.
Download the Card: After registration, the card can be downloaded immediately.
Main Benefits of the Scheme for Senior Citizens
Special Ayushman Card: Senior citizens will receive a separate and special card under this scheme.
Top-up Cover: Senior citizens from families already covered under AB PM-JAY will get an additional ₹5 lakh cover each year, separate from the family’s coverage.
Family Cover: If a senior citizen is not already registered, they will receive ₹5 lakh coverage annually on a family basis.
Options for Senior Citizens in Other Plans
Existing Health Schemes: Senior citizens who are already covered under schemes like CGHS, ECHS, or other health plans can continue with their current schemes or switch to AB PM-JAY.
Private Insurance Holders: Senior citizens with private insurance or Employees State Insurance Scheme (ESI) can also benefit from this scheme.
