Prime Minister Narendra Modi is preparing to announce a significant expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) on October 29, as per official sources reported by PTI. This extension will offer health coverage to all citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income level, aiming to benefit around six crore seniors across 4.5 crore households.

What the Expanded Scheme Brings

Under the enhanced Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), senior citizens aged 70 and above will be eligible for free medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh per year at any of the 29,648 affiliated hospitals, including 12,696 private facilities. Eligible seniors will need to register through the PMJAY website or the Ayushman app to access this benefit. Current Ayushman cardholders will need to reapply and complete their eKYC to receive a new card.

Senior citizens within families already covered under AB-PMJAY will receive an additional Rs 5 lakh in annual health coverage. Other seniors in this age group will also qualify for Rs 5 lakh per year on a family basis. This expansion aims to bolster financial security for elderly citizens, helping them access necessary healthcare.

Eligibility and Registration for the Expanded AB-PMJAY Benefits

The extended AB-PMJAY will provide healthcare coverage to all citizens aged 70 and above, including those from diverse economic backgrounds—from economically disadvantaged to wealthy seniors. Upon rollout, eligible seniors will receive an Ayushman card that grants them free healthcare benefits of up to Rs 5 lakh annually at any AB-PMJAY-listed hospital.

To register, those aged 70 and above can use their Aadhaar cards on the PM-JAY portal or through the Ayushman app. Current Ayushman cardholders will need to reapply and complete their eKYC to access the new benefits.

Additional Benefits for Existing AB-PMJAY Beneficiaries

Senior citizens who are already part of families enrolled in AB-PMJAY will gain an added top-up of Rs 5 lakh annually, complementing their existing family coverage. This top-up will also be available to seniors with private insurance or Employees’ State Insurance (ESI), offering further financial security for essential healthcare needs.