Ayushman Bharat health insurance: How to apply for senior citizen’s health cover?

The Union Cabinet has recently approved the extension of health coverage under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), marking a significant step towards ensuring accessible healthcare for all, especially for senior citizens. This ambitious scheme aims to provide financial protection against catastrophic health expenditures, making quality medical care affordable for the most vulnerable sections of society. If you or your loved ones are eligible, understanding how to apply for this health cover is crucial. Here’s a comprehensive guide on navigating the application process for the Ayushman Bharat health insurance, focusing on senior citizens.

Understanding Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY

Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY is a flagship scheme of the Government of India that aims to achieve the vision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). It provides financial protection to over 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families, offering a benefit cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. The scheme covers nearly 1,400 procedures across 24 specialties, including pre and post-hospitalization expenses.

Eligibility Criteria

The Ayushman Bharat scheme targets the poor, deprived rural families and identified occupational category of urban workers’ families as per the latest Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data. For senior citizens, the scheme is particularly beneficial as they are more prone to chronic illnesses and require frequent medical attention. There is no specific age limit to apply, making it inclusive for all eligible citizens.

How to Apply for Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance

Applying for the Ayushman Bharat health insurance is straightforward and can be done through various channels:

1. Visit the Official Website: The first step is to visit the official website of the Ayushman Bharat scheme at https://pmjay.gov.in/. Here, you can find comprehensive information about the scheme, check your eligibility, and apply online.
2. Check Your Eligibility: On the homepage, you will find an “Am I Eligible” section where you can input your mobile number and captcha code to generate an OTP. After entering the OTP, you can search for your name in the beneficiary list using your ration card number or by entering your name, age, and other details.
3. Application Process: If you are eligible, you can apply for the scheme by filling out the application form online. Alternatively, you can visit the nearest empanelled hospital or a Common Service Centre (CSC) to apply.
4. Required Documents: To complete your application, you will need to submit documents such as your Aadhaar card, income certificate, and proof of family structure, among others.

Benefits for Senior Citizens

The Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY is particularly beneficial for senior citizens, offering a comprehensive health cover that includes:

• Pre-existing illnesses from day one.
• Access to quality healthcare services across India.
• No cap on family size, age, or gender.
• Cashless hospitalization in empanelled hospitals.
• Covers all pre and post-hospitalization expenses.

Conclusion

The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana represents a significant step towards universal health coverage, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent anyone, especially senior citizens, from accessing quality healthcare. By understanding the eligibility criteria and application process, you can ensure that you or your loved ones are covered under this scheme, providing peace of mind and financial security in times of medical need.

For more information and to apply, visit the official PMJAY website or contact your nearest empanelled hospital or Common Service Centre.

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