Ayushman Bharat Scheme: As the government prepares to launch health coverage for all people aged 70 years and above, the National Health Authority (NHA), the implementing agency of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), has announced plans. Is of. Plan to add more health packages for the elderly.
Preparing to add more health packages
Official sources said the extended scheme is likely to be launched by the end of this month. Its benefit will be available to 6 crore citizens of about 4.5 crore families. The Committee on Health Benefit Packages is considering the need to add more health benefit packages specifically related to old age care. The number of such beneficiaries will increase after the launch of the scheme.
Who will benefit?
- The plan currently offers comprehensive coverage, covering 1,949 medical procedures across 27 medical specialties such as general medicine, surgery, cancer and cardiology.
- Hospital services, medicines (medicines up to 15 days after discharge from hospital), diagnostic facilities (up to three days before admission), food and accommodation services are provided free of cost to the beneficiaries.
- Hospitalization due to certain mental health conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia is also covered under the current plan. Be it poor, middle class, upper-middle class or rich.
- Every person aged 70 years and above after obtaining Ayushman card in any Ayushman Bharat empaneled hospital will have to pay Rs. Up to Rs 5 lakh will be eligible for free treatment and an extended scheme has been launched.
Scheme not implemented in Delhi, Odisha and Bengal
On September 1, a total of 29,648 hospitals, including 12,696 private hospitals, were empaneled under the scheme, which is being implemented in 33 states and union territories. At present this scheme is not applicable in Delhi, Odisha and Bengal. Any person aged 70 years or above as per Aadhaar card will be eligible to apply under this scheme.