Are Senior Citizens Eligible for PMJAY Benefits?

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Expenses incurred due to illness during old age can be very high. A major initiative in this regard is the extension of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana on 11th September 2024, which includes all citizens aged 70 or above, with no income limit.


This scheme offers an insurance cover of up to ₹5 lakh per annum for many aged citizens. This movement is ensuring accessibility and financial security for senior citizens of India. Continue reading to discover the major benefits of this scheme along with its eligibility criteria.


What are the Advantages of the PMJAY Scheme for Senior Citizens?


Here are the key advantages of the Ayushman Bharat PMJAY scheme for aged people:



  • Coverage Against Pre-Existing Conditions: This scheme offers coverage against pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, blood pressure, heart diseases, arthritis, and so on, right from the day of enrolment into this scheme.

  • Coverage Against Hospitalisation Costs: This scheme covers all costs associated with hospitalisation, including doctor consultations, surgeries, diagnostics, medications, ICU costs, and more.

  • Treatment Services in Multiple Specialities: This scheme offers older adults medical services across 27 medical specialities, including cardiology, oncology, orthopaedics, nephrology, and neurology.

  • Help with High Medical Costs: Senior citizens can enjoy help for expensive treatments, which include treatment for cancer, heart surgery, transplant operations, and other deadly diseases.

  • Multiple Surgeries' Cost Coverage: The scheme covers the expenses of consecutive surgeries at reduced prices.

  • Post-Hospitalisation Coverages: The scheme also covers post-hospitalisation expenses, including treatment, medications, and other related costs.

  • No Upper Age Limit: Unlike many general health plans, the PMJAY does not have an upper age limit, making it especially useful for senior citizens over 70.


Eligibility Criteria for the PMJAY Scheme


Senior citizens have to meet certain criteria in order to be able to benefit from the new PMJAY scheme:



  • All persons aged 70 or older can benefit from health insurance coverage, regardless of their socio-economic status.

  • Eligible senior citizens can claim coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per annum under the Ayushman Bharat PMJAY scheme.

  • Senior citizens who are members of beneficiary families registered under the AB-PMJAY scheme will receive a top-up cover of up to ₹5 lakh each. The coverage limit would apply only to senior citizens and shall not be shared with other family members.

  • All senior citizens qualifying for the scheme are given a dedicated health card.

  • The cost-sharing arrangement will be established between the central and state governments to make the scheme more accessible.

  • The extension of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) is an important milestone towards inclusive health care for elderly people in India.

  • Senior citizens who have taken a private health insurance policy would continue to enjoy the benefit of both.

  • Senior citizens enrolled in other Government health insurance schemes, such as CGHS, ECHS, and Ayushman CAPF schemes, shall opt for either of the two schemes.


By providing cashless treatment worth ₹5 lakh, regardless of an individual's economic status, the scheme helps streamline the financial burden of medical costs during their golden years. With expanded eligibility, additional benefits, and greater choice in schemes, PM-JAY aims to provide better healthcare coverage and dignity for the elderly and their family members.