Recently, the Government of India is poised to expand its flagship health insurance initiative, the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), to encompass all citizens aged 70 and above, irrespective of their financial status. This move aims to enhance healthcare access for senior citizens, a demographic that often faces challenges in securing affordable medical services.
Overview of Ayushman Bharat PMJAY
Launched in 2018, AB-PMJAY is designed to provide health insurance coverage to economically vulnerable populations in India. It offers up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation. The scheme targets approximately 10 crore families, translating to about 50 crore individuals, making it one of the largest health insurance programs globally.
Eligibility and Application Process
With the new expansion, all individuals aged 70 and above can apply for an Ayushman card, which enables them to receive free treatment at empanelled hospitals. The application process involves using an Aadhaar card for verification and registration through the PMJAY portal or the Ayushman app. Existing beneficiaries must complete an eKYC process to continue availing benefits. Interestingly, while the scheme primarily benefits the elderly, it also puts stress on the government’s recognition of the growing senior population in India, which is projected to reach 300 million by 2050.
Additional Benefits for Existing Beneficiaries
Senior citizens from families already enrolled in AB-PMJAY will receive an additional top-up of ₹5 lakh per year, separate from their family coverage. This provision is particularly beneficial for those facing multiple health challenges, ensuring that they have adequate financial support for medical expenses. Moreover, the scheme accommodates seniors who possess private health insurance or are enrolled in Employees’ State Insurance, offering them the flexibility to choose between their existing plans or AB-PMJAY.
Integration with Other Health Initiatives
The launch of the U-WIN portal alongside the expanded AB-PMJAY is noteworthy. This platform aims to maintain a digital registry of vaccinations for children and pregnant women, enhancing the government’s efforts to streamline healthcare data management. The U-WIN portal is modelled after the successful Co-WIN system used for COVID-19 vaccinations, showcasing the government’s commitment to leveraging technology in public health. The U-WIN initiative is part of the Universal Immunization Programme, which has been instrumental in reducing child mortality rates in India. It reflects an understanding of the interconnectedness of various health initiatives and the need for a comprehensive approach to healthcare.
Implications for Public Health
The expansion of AB-PMJAY is expected to impact public health in India. By providing financial protection against health-related expenses, the scheme aims to reduce the burden of out-of-pocket expenditure, which is a major barrier to accessing healthcare for many families. Furthermore, as the elderly population grows, the demand for healthcare services is likely to increase, necessitating a robust healthcare infrastructure. The government’s proactive measures through schemes like AB-PMJAY could play important role in addressing these challenges.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss the significance of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana in the context of India’s healthcare system.
- Evaluate the impact of expanding health coverage to senior citizens on public health outcomes in India.
- How does the U-WIN portal complement the objectives of the Ayushman Bharat scheme?
- Analyse the challenges faced by the elderly population in accessing healthcare services in India.
- What role does technology play in enhancing the effectiveness of health insurance schemes like AB-PMJAY?
