A parliamentary committee has recommended expanding the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme. The committee, chaired by Rajya Sabha MP Ram Gopal Yadav, has suggested lowering the age limit for free treatment under the scheme to 60 years and doubling the coverage amount from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh per family. Currently, only senior citizens aged 70 and above benefit from the scheme’s expanded coverage.

More Beneficiaries Under Ayushman Bharat

The central government had expanded the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) on September 11 last year, launching the AB-PMJAY Vaya Vandana scheme. This extension currently covers 4.5 crore families, benefitting approximately six crore senior citizens aged 70 and above. However, the parliamentary panel believes more people should be included in the program to enhance healthcare access for a larger segment of the elderly population.

World’s Largest Health Insurance Scheme

Ayushman Bharat is the world’s largest health insurance initiative, offering free medical treatment of up to Rs 5 lakh per year to 40% of India's poorest citizens. The scheme, launched in 2017 under the National Health Policy, aims to provide financial protection against catastrophic health expenses.

State-Level Resistance and Alternative Plans

Despite its large-scale implementation, some states, including West Bengal, have refused to adopt the scheme, preferring to run their own state-sponsored health programs. This has led to disparities in healthcare access across different regions of the country.

Comprehensive Coverage for Patients

The scheme provides coverage in both government and select private hospitals. It also includes pre-hospitalization expenses for up to 10 days before admission and post-hospitalization expenses for 10 days after discharge. Additionally, it covers a wide range of treatments, including pre-existing conditions, medical tests, surgeries, and even transportation costs related to treatment.

Over 5.5 Crore Beneficiaries So Far

Since its inception, Ayushman Bharat has benefited over 5.5 crore individuals, helping them access critical healthcare services without financial burden. The government continues to refine and expand the scheme, ensuring broader coverage and better healthcare access for India’s economically disadvantaged population.

Looking Ahead: Will the Government Implement the Recommendations?

The central government now faces the decision of whether to implement the committee’s recommendations. Expanding coverage could significantly benefit millions of additional citizens, but it would also require a substantial increase in budgetary allocations. The final decision will likely depend on financial feasibility and policy priorities in the coming months.