India updates health schemes for senior citizens under PMJAY

One of the benefits is free treatment based on a hospital’s diagnosis.

Senior citizens in India can now access cashless treatment at all empanelled hospitals under the recently updated Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) scheme.

Accordingly, beneficiaries can receive treatment free of charge based on the hospital's diagnosis, for which claims are reimbursed after discharge. 

The scheme is available to all members of eligible families, regardless of age, in 33 States and Union Territories (UTs), excluding the National Capital Territory of Delhi, West Bengal, and Odisha. 

Currently, there are no proposals to extend the scheme beyond the existing beneficiary base on a premium contribution basis.