In a landmark decision, the Union Cabinet has extended the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme to all citizens above 70 years of age, irrespective of their income or social status. This move is a fulfillment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's promise made during the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign and marks a transformative moment for the healthcare of India's senior citizens.
Ayushman Bharat, launched five years ago, has already revolutionized healthcare access, especially for vulnerable sections of society. The scheme provides financial assistance for hospitalization and treatment, ensuring families don't suffer financially when a medical crisis strikes. Yet, data reveals that senior citizens have been among the biggest beneficiaries of the scheme, with 24% of the over one crore admissions under Ayushman Bharat belonging to those aged 60 and above.
The inclusion of all citizens above 70 into this healthcare net is particularly crucial, as private insurers tend to either refuse policies to older individuals or charge unaffordable premiums. Even when coverage is granted, pre-existing conditions like diabetes or heart ailments are often excluded, leaving senior citizens vulnerable and without adequate protection. With the new extension, over six crore people over the age of 70 will now have access to Rs 5 lakh per year in health coverage, safeguarding them from the financial ruin often caused by medical emergencies.
Procedures such as heart surgeries, dialysis, and cancer treatments are frequent among the elderly, and their rising costs have made healthcare unattainable for many in this age group. By providing free or affordable treatment under Ayushman Bharat, the government not only ensures financial relief but also enhances the quality of life for senior citizens across the country. The focus on family-based coverage under this scheme also ensures that no elderly individual, regardless of family support, is left behind.
This decision comes at a time when India's elderly population is growing rapidly, and the need for an inclusive, accessible healthcare system is more critical than ever. Beyond healthcare, the policy also carries significant social implications. In a society where many senior citizens, particularly in rural areas, face abandonment or neglect during illness, this initiative promises dignity and security in their twilight years.
The extension of Ayushman Bharat to citizens above 70 is more than a healthcare reform—it is a commitment to building a more compassionate and inclusive society. As it rolls out, the policy's impact will likely resonate deeply, ensuring that India's senior citizens can face the challenges of aging with dignity, financial security, and, most importantly, access to life-saving medical care.
