Government Health Schemes for Senior Citizens
In this guide
Step-by-step Process
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY
The world's largest health insurance scheme. Coverage: ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalization. Eligible families: Based on SECC 2011 data; covers poor and vulnerable families. 3+ lakh empanelled hospitals. Treatment cashless across India. No premium for beneficiaries. Check eligibility: pmjay.gov.in or call 14555.
Ayushman Bharat (AB) 70+ Senior Citizen Scheme
New (2024): All senior citizens 70 years and above are eligible for ₹5 lakh health coverage per year regardless of income. Separate from family coverage. Enroll via Ayushman app or Common Service Centers (CSC). Generate Ayushman card with Aadhaar. Works at all AB-PMJAY empanelled hospitals.
Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS)
For central government employees, pensioners, and dependents. Covers OPD (medicines at CGHS dispensaries), IPD at empanelled hospitals, specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, dental care. Pensioners: Annual subscription varies (₹250–₹650/month depending on pay). Apply at cghs.gov.in or nearest CGHS office with pensioner ID.
State Government Health Schemes
Many states have additional schemes: Tamil Nadu — CM Comprehensive Health Insurance (₹5 lakh), Andhra Pradesh — YSR Aarogyasri (₹25 lakh for critical illnesses), Maharashtra — Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya (₹5 lakh), Kerala — Karunya Arogya Suraksha (₹5 lakh). Check your state health department website. These work alongside PM-JAY.
Official Government Portals
Common Questions
How do I get an Ayushman Bharat health card?
Check eligibility at pmjay.gov.in or by calling 14555. If eligible, enroll at: Common Service Centre (CSC), empanelled hospital, Ayushman app (Android/iOS), or Setu App. Documents: Aadhaar card, ration card or any SECC-linked document. Card generated instantly. For 70+ scheme, any senior citizen can enroll using Aadhaar — no prior eligibility check needed.
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