Uttarakhand CM Thanks PM Modi for Health Coverage for Seniors
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for approving health coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 years and above. Dhami expressed his gratitude on social media, highlighting the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
Union Cabinet’s Approval
Earlier today, the Union Cabinet approved health coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of income, under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). This decision aims to benefit approximately 4.5 crore families, including 6 crore senior citizens, with Rs 5 lakh free health insurance per family annually.
Details of the Scheme
Eligible senior citizens will receive a new distinct card under the health security scheme. Those already covered under the scheme will get an additional top-up cover of up to Rs 5 lakh per year. Senior citizens can choose between existing public health insurance schemes or opt for Ayushman Bharat.
About Ayushman Bharat
Ayushman Bharat is the world’s largest publicly funded health assurance scheme, providing Rs 5 lakh health cover per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. The scheme covers 55 crore individuals and has facilitated 7.37 crore hospital admissions, benefiting the public by over Rs 1 lakh crore.
The scheme initially covered 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families, later expanded to 12 crore families in January 2022. It also includes 37 lakh ASHAs, AWWs, and AWHs and their families for free healthcare benefits.
Doubts Revealed
Uttarakhand -: Uttarakhand is a state in northern India, known for its beautiful mountains and pilgrimage sites.
CM -: CM stands for Chief Minister, who is the head of the government in an Indian state.
PM Modi -: PM Modi refers to Narendra Modi, who is the Prime Minister of India, the leader of the country.
Ayushman Bharat scheme -: The Ayushman Bharat scheme is a health insurance program by the Indian government that provides free medical coverage to poor and vulnerable families.
Union Cabinet -: The Union Cabinet is a group of top government officials in India, including the Prime Minister, who make important decisions for the country.
Rs 5 lakh -: Rs 5 lakh means 500,000 Indian Rupees, which is a large amount of money used to measure the health insurance coverage.
publicly funded health assurance program -: A publicly funded health assurance program is a health plan paid for by the government to help people get medical care without paying from their own pockets.
