Proposal to Extend Coverage up to ₹10 Lakhs under ‘Ayushman Bharat’ Scheme

The NDA government at the center will present the full budget this month. With a coalition government currently in place, people are hopeful of its benefits. It is expected that the government may announce significant measures in this budget, including enhancements to the Prime Minister Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) and Ayushman Bharat Scheme. 

Reports suggest that there is consideration to increase the coverage limit under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana to more than 5 lakh.

Increase Expected in Health Insurance Coverage Limit

According to a report, the NDA government is considering increasing both the number of beneficiaries and the insurance amount under the Ayushman Bharat – Prime Minister Jan Arogya Yojana. Sources suggest preparations are underway to raise the coverage limit from 5 lakh to 10 lakh rupees per annum for beneficiaries under the scheme. 

The government is also contemplating an increase in the number of beneficiaries over the next three years under its primary Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme.

Proposal Finalized to Expand Coverage

If the government announces an increase in the number of beneficiaries under AB-PMJAY over the next three years, more of the country’s population will gain access to health coverage. Sources indicate that the government is considering this step due to the heavy financial burden families face in managing healthcare expenses. 

It has been suggested that the government is also contemplating finalizing a proposal to raise the current coverage limit of 5 lakh to 10 lakh rupees under the Ayushman Yojana, keeping these considerations in mind.

Government Expects Increased Burden on Public Treasury

The central government is set to present the general budget this month, with a confirmed date of July 23. Expectations are high that several proposals or their segments will be announced in this budget. 

According to sources, if these proposals are approved, it is estimated that the burden on the public treasury will increase by approximately ₹12,076 crore annually, prepared by the National Health Authority. Another source mentioned that around 4-5 crore additional beneficiaries, including people aged 70 and above, could benefit from this scheme.

Relief through Expanding Coverage from Expensive Treatments

It is noteworthy that the coverage limit for Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY was set at ₹5 lakh annually in 2018. Now, considering the objective of providing relief to families dealing with expensive treatments, discussions are underway to increase the available coverage limit under this scheme.

President Draupadi Murmu addressed a joint session of Parliament on June 27, stating that all elderly individuals aged 70 and above will also be covered under the Ayushman Yojana, ensuring them access to free healthcare services.