Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) (Prelims & Mains- Polity & Governance)

Why in news?

The Union Cabinet approved an expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), offering comprehensive health insurance to senior citizens aged 70 and above. 

• This move will provide free health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family, regardless of income, benefiting around 6 crore senior citizens across 4.5 crore families
• Senior citizens already covered under public health insurance schemes like the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), or Ayushman CAPF will have the option to either continue with their existing scheme or opt for AB PM-JAY.
• Those under private health insurance policies or the Employees’ State Insurance scheme will also be eligible to avail of the benefits of AB PM-JAY.

About PM Jan Aarogya Yojana

• The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) was launched in 2018 and has been a cornerstone of India’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). 
• As a key component of the Ayushman Bharat initiative, which emerged from the National Health Policy 2017, PM-JAY has transformed the healthcare landscape by providing health coverage to the country’s most vulnerable.
• World’s Largest Health Assurance Scheme: PM-JAY stands as the largest health insurance/assurance initiative globally, fully financed by the Government of India, offering broad healthcare access to the vulnerable
• Health Coverage of ₹5 Lakh: Each entitled family receives an annual health cover of ₹5 lakhs for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation across public and private empanelled hospitals in India.
• Coverage for Over 12 Crore Families: Around 55 crore beneficiaries from 12 crore poor and vulnerable families are eligible for the scheme’s benefits, ensuring protection for the most underserved
• Cashless Access to Healthcare: Beneficiaries enjoy cashless healthcare services at the point of care, eliminating the need for out-of-pocket payments during treatment.
• Pre- and Post-Hospitalization Coverage: The scheme covers up to 3 days of pre-hospitalization and 15 days of post-hospitalization expenses, including diagnostics and medications.
• Nationwide Portability: Beneficiaries can access cashless treatment at any empanelled public or private hospital across India, ensuring flexibility and ease of care.
• Equal Reimbursement for Public and Private Hospitals: Public hospitals receive reimbursements for healthcare services at par with private hospitals, ensuring equitable care delivery across all sectors.