New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to unveil a significant health initiative on October 29, offering health insurance to all citizens aged 70 and above under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). The new scheme, which will provide universal health coverage to an estimated 6 crore seniors across approximately 4.5 crore households, ensures free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh annually at AB PMJAY-registered hospitals, regardless of income level.

Simultaneously, the PM will officially launch the U-WIN portal, designed to maintain a digital registry of routine immunizations. The portal, modelled after the Co-WIN system used during the COVID-19 vaccination drive, will track vaccinations of pregnant women and children up to age 17 under the Universal Immunization Programme.

This expanded health coverage will include seniors with private health insurance or Employees' State Insurance, while those covered by public schemes like CGHS, ECHS, or CAPF can opt to remain with their existing plans or switch to AB PMJAY. For eligible seniors within AB PMJAY-covered families, a new individual top-up cover of Rs 5 lakh annually will be available.

As of September 1, 2024, nearly 29,648 hospitals, including 12,696 private facilities, are enlisted under AB PMJAY across 33 states and Union Territories, with exceptions in Delhi, Odisha, and West Bengal. Individuals must register through the PMJAY portal or Ayushman app, and existing cardholders will need to reapply for an updated card, completing their eKYC.

The AB PMJAY scheme has already facilitated over 7.37 crore hospital admissions, benefitting citizens with over Rs 1 lakh crore in healthcare support since its launch. This launch marks a further expansion from the original 10.74 crore families, now covering 12 crore families due to population growth, and extending benefits to additional workers and families.