Universalizing Geriatric Care: Ayushman Bharat Expansion for All Seniors Above 70

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, has approved a landmark expansion of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) to include all senior citizens aged 70 and above. This decision transcends socio-economic boundaries, making health insurance a universal right for the elderly demographic, a move that is expected to benefit nearly 4.5 crore families. Under this expansion, every citizen aged 70 or older will be entitled to a health cover of ₹5 lakh per family per year. The implementation is structured to ensure equity: senior citizens belonging to families already covered under AB-PMJAY will receive an additional top-up cover of ₹5 lakh per year specifically for themselves. Those not currently covered will receive the ₹5 lakh cover on a family basis. Furthermore, senior citizens already enrolled in other public health insurance schemes, such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) or Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), will be given a choice to either continue with their existing scheme or migrate to AB-PMJAY.