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n a landmark move for healthcare in India, the government has announced a major expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). Now, every citizen aged 70 years and above will be entitled to cashless medical treatment worth up to ₹5 lakh annually at empaneled hospitals across the country.

This policy aims to ease the financial burden of medical expenses for the elderly, ensuring that no senior citizen is denied quality healthcare due to lack of resources.

Who is Eligible?

The eligibility criteria have been kept extremely simple.

• The only requirement is age – 70 years or above.

• Verification will be based on the date of birth recorded in the Aadhaar card.

This universal coverage ensures that all senior citizens falling in this age bracket will automatically qualify, regardless of income or socio-economic background.

How the Scheme Works

Under the new arrangement, beneficiaries can avail of cashless treatment in any of the empaneled hospitals nationwide. Once registered, seniors will not have to spend a single rupee from their pocket for treatments covered under the scheme.

• Coverage Limit: Up to ₹5 lakh per year

• Hospitals: All PM-JAY empaneled hospitals across India

• Treatment Type: Cashless, across a wide range of procedures and medical conditions

Registration Process

The government has made the process quick and accessible:

• Eligible seniors can register via the official website beneficiary.nha.gov.in or through the Ayushman Bharat app.

• A separate Ayushman Health Card will be issued specifically for citizens above 70.

• Once registered, treatment can begin immediately on the same day, without any waiting period.

For those already covered under other schemes such as CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme), individuals will be required to opt for one scheme to avoid overlaps.

A Big Step Towards Healthcare Security

Healthcare costs in India have been a growing concern, especially for senior citizens who often face higher medical bills due to age-related conditions. With this initiative, the government is addressing a long-standing demand for comprehensive healthcare support for the elderly.

Officials say that this reform is not only a step towards universal health coverage but also a recognition of the contribution that India’s senior citizens have made to society.

Key Highlights of the New PM-JAY Benefits for Seniors:

• Free treatment worth ₹5 lakh annually

• Applicable to all Indians aged 70+

• Aadhaar-based verification of age

• No income-based restriction

• Immediate access to healthcare after registration

• Separate health card for 70+ beneficiaries

• Valid at all PM-JAY empaneled hospitals nationwide

Conclusion

With this expansion of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, India is moving closer to the vision of “Healthcare for All”, particularly for the elderly who are among the most vulnerable. The scheme is expected to bring relief to millions of families, reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, and ensure dignified medical care for senior citizens across the country.

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