Recent Context:
The Union Cabinet nodded for the expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to provide health coverage to
“all senior citizens aged 70 years and above irrespective of their income”.
Key Features of this Expansion:
Widening the scope of the Scheme:
For now the scheme is income-based and provides Rs 5 lakh shared annual coverage to all members of eligible families , estimated to comprise the bottom 40% of the population economically ,irrespective of their age.
-Universal Coverage: All senior citizens aged 70 and above will now be eligible for the scheme, ensuring that every elderly individual has access to free healthcare.
-Enhanced Benefits: Senior citizens of the age 70 years and above belonging to families already covered under AB PM-JAY will get an additional (shared) top-up cover up to Rs 5 lakh per year for themselves।
-Simplified Enrollment: The scheme is application-based, and senior citizens can register themselves through a dedicated portal.
-Government Funding: The government has allocated Rs 3,437 crore to fund the expansion of the scheme over a period of one and a half years.
–Choice of Schemes: Senior citizens who are already benefiting from other public health insurance schemes like the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), or Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) have the option to either continue with their current scheme or opt for AB PM-JAY
–Eligibility with Private Insurance: Senior citizens who are covered by private health insurance policies or the Employees’ State Insurance scheme are also eligible to benefit from AB PM-JAY
-New Distinct Card:
Citizens aged 70 and above will receive a new, distinct card under the AB PM-JAY scheme
Overall Impact:
The expansion of the Ayushman Bharat scheme is a significant step towards achieving universal health coverage in India.
By providing free healthcare to millions of citizens, the scheme is helping to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses and improve the overall health and well-being of the population.
Ayushman Bharat Mission:
Ayushman Bharat Mission:
A Healthcare Revolution in India
Ayushman Bharat is a flagship health initiative launched by the Government of India with the aim of providing universal health coverage to its citizens, especially the most vulnerable.
It is a comprehensive health insurance scheme that seeks to address the financial burden of healthcare for millions of Indians.
Key Components of Ayushman Bharat
1.Ayushman Arogya Mandir:
The first component of Ayushman Bharat involves establishing Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAM), previously known as Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs). These Ayushman Arogya Mandirs offer a broad spectrum of healthcare services, including preventive, promotive, rehabilitative, and curative care.
Accessibility: Brings healthcare closer to the homes of people, especially in rural areas.
2.Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY):
-Health Insurance Coverage: Provides a health cover of ₹5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
Eligibility: Covers approximately 55 crore beneficiaries from the bottom 40% of the Indian population.
Network of Hospitals: Employs a network of empanelled public and private hospitals to provide the necessary healthcare services.
3.Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM):
–Digital Health Infrastructure: Aims to develop a digital health infrastructure to support universal health coverage. It provides a 14-digit unique number that simplifies the digital access and sharing of health records.
–Electronic Health Records (EHRs): Creates longitudinal EHRs for citizens, facilitating seamless healthcare access and continuity of care.
-66.70 crore Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts have been created with 42.01 crore Health Records linked to it.
–Interoperability: Ensures interoperability between different healthcare providers and systems.
–Ayushman Bhav Campaign:
The ‘Ayushman Bhav’ initiative is designed to ensure comprehensive healthcare coverage in every village and town, reflecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to reaching the last mile and providing access to healthcare services for all.
Benefits of Ayushman Bharat
– Financial Protection: Provides a safety net against the financial burden of healthcare.
–Improved Access: Increases access to quality healthcare, especially for those in rural and marginalized communities.
–Enhanced Efficiency: Streamlines healthcare processes through digitization and improved coordination.
–Better Health Outcomes: Contributes to improved health outcomes by promoting preventive care and early diagnosis.
Ayushman Bharat is a significant step towards achieving universal health coverage in India. By addressing the financial and accessibility barriers to healthcare, it has the potential to improve the lives of millions of Indians.