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New Delhi, December 2024: The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), India’s flagship health insurance scheme, has achieved remarkable milestones in its mission to provide universal healthcare access. As of November 30, 2024, the scheme has verified approximately 36 crore beneficiaries and authorized over 8.39 crore hospital admissions worth more than ₹1.16 lakh crore.
In a significant policy expansion, the Government announced two major updates to AB PM-JAY in 2024. In March, 37 lakh families of ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, and Anganwadi helpers were brought under the scheme. Further, on October 29, the Government extended coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of their socio-economic status. This move is expected to benefit approximately 6 crore senior citizens across 4.5 crore families, offering free treatment benefits of up to ₹5 lakh annually for secondary and tertiary care.
AB PM-JAY aims to provide health insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh per family per year to nearly 12.37 crore families, targeting the economically vulnerable bottom 40% of India’s population. The scheme, which integrates with various state health insurance programs, now covers more than 18 crore families under government-funded medical insurance, significantly increasing healthcare access for the underprivileged.
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, highlighted the scheme’s impact in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. He emphasized the reduction in out-of-pocket expenditure for beneficiaries, noting the financial relief provided to families facing hospitalization costs.
With over ₹1.16 lakh crore already authorized for hospital admissions, AB PM-JAY continues to make strides in bridging healthcare inequities and strengthening the nation’s healthcare infrastructure. The inclusion of ASHA and Anganwadi workers, along with expanded coverage for senior citizens, underscores the Government’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all sections of society.
The scheme’s expansion is expected to further reduce financial burdens on families while ensuring quality healthcare services reach India’s most vulnerable populations.
