Synopsis: The Centre is contemplating two healthcare models for seniors in Budget 2024: one covering all family members with senior citizens and another exclusively for senior citizens in a family. This expansion under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) aligns with the NDA's promise to cover all individuals over 70.
The Centre is considering two healthcare models for seniors: one that covers all family members including senior citizens, and another that provides coverage only to senior citizens in a family.
Budget 2024 might see the Centre expanding the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to offer essential healthcare support to India's senior citizens, aligning with the NDA's election promise to cover all individuals over 70 under the scheme.
"Every elderly person above 70 will be covered and benefit from free treatment under Ayushman Bharat Yojana," President Draupadi Murmu stated in her recent Parliamentary address.
According to the Mint newspaper, two models are under consideration: one covering all family members with senior citizens, and another providing coverage only to senior citizens in a family.
The report also mentioned that health benefit packages for geriatric treatment are being developed, and hospitals with dedicated geriatric services will be included under PM-JAY.
The Centre is also considering increasing the number of AB PM-JAY beneficiaries.
Currently, Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), the world's largest publicly funded health insurance scheme, provides Rs.5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary care to 12 crore families.
State Health Agencies (SHAs) are responsible for empanelling hospitals under the scheme, ensuring comprehensive healthcare access nationwide.
Only about 20% of people over 60 are covered by health schemes such as the Central Government Health Scheme, Employees State Insurance Scheme, Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna, cooperative health insurance, employer medical reimbursement, or private insurance, according to the India Ageing Report 2023.
Elderly men have slightly higher coverage (19.7%) compared to elderly women (16.9%), with minimal rural-urban disparity in coverage.
President Murmu also highlighted the rapid progress in establishing 25,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras, further enhancing healthcare infrastructure and accessibility.
In conclusion, the Centre's consideration of expanding healthcare models and coverage under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) in Budget 2024 demonstrates a significant commitment to improving healthcare for India's senior citizens.
With the potential inclusion of geriatric treatment packages and increased beneficiaries, alongside the ongoing establishment of Jan Aushadhi Kendras, these initiatives could greatly enhance healthcare access and support for the elderly population, aligning with the NDA's promise to provide comprehensive coverage for individuals over 70.
