Who is Eligible for Ayushman Bharat for 70 years?

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On 11th September, 2024, the Union Cabinet decided to extend the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) scheme to include all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their income.


Since then, this move has enabled senior citizens to access free health insurance. To avail the benefits of the PMJAY scheme for senior citizens, you must understand its eligibility criteria, key updates, and advancements. Keep reading to know more.


What are the Eligibility Criteria to Avail the Benefits of PMJAY for Senior Citizens?


Here are the eligibility requirements for Indian senior citizens who are 70 years old or above to avail the benefits of the PMJAY scheme:



  • Age Criteria: All senior citizens aged 70 years and above, residing in rural and urban areas, are eligible for coverage under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. They can avail of a separate health insurance cover of up to ₹5 lakh every year through the Ayushman Vay Vandana card.

  • Income Criteria: There is no income criterion for senior citizens aged 70 years and above.

  • Household Eligibility: All members of a household who are already enrolled in the SECC (Socio-Economic and Caste Census) 2011 are eligible for a health insurance cover of ₹5 lakh every year, regardless of their age.


What are the Key Advancements for Senior Citizens Under the PMJAY Scheme?


The following are some newly designed benefits for senior citizens under the PMJAY scheme:



  • New Distinct Card: Senior citizens aged 70 and above will be issued a distinct Ayushman Vay Vandana card to monitor their benefits separately.

  • Top-Up Insurance: Families already enrolled in AB PM-JAY will be provided an additional top-up insurance of ₹5 lakhs per year solely for their benefit, regardless of their age.

  • Family Insurance:Senior citizens not enrolled in existing AB PM-JAY families will be provided with ₹5 lakhs family insurance per year.

  • Choice of Schemes: Seniors enrolled in other government health schemes, such as the Central Government Health Scheme, Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme, or Ayushman CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces), may choose to continue in the same scheme or opt for AB PM-JAY.

  • Private Insurance and ESI Beneficiaries:Individuals who are already beneficiaries of private health insurance schemes or the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) scheme are also eligible to apply for AB PM-JAY benefits.


Any Indian citizen aged 70 years and above can now take advantage of the benefits offered by the AB-PMJAY scheme without worrying about the income criteria.


However, it is important for you to understand the eligibility criteria, key updates, and coverage benefits to ensure timely treatment and reduce the burden of medical costs.