Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) is India’s flagship health insurance scheme, aiming to provide free healthcare services to economically vulnerable populations. As of 2025, the scheme has undergone significant expansions to enhance its reach and benefits. This article delves into the latest updates of Ayushman Bharat, highlighting the new inclusions and how they impact beneficiaries.
1. Expansion to Senior Citizens Aged 70 and Above
In a landmark decision, the Union Cabinet has approved the inclusion of all senior citizens aged 70 years and above under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, irrespective of their income status. This expansion aims to provide free treatment up to ₹5 lakh per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation. Approximately 6 crore senior citizens across 4.5 crore families are expected to benefit from this inclusion. Eligible beneficiaries will receive a new, unique card under this expanded scheme to access healthcare benefits .
2. Budget 2025 Allocations and Coverage
The Union Budget for 2025 has allocated over ₹9,000 crore to the health sector, marking a significant increase from the previous year. This funding aims to bolster the infrastructure of existing health schemes, including Ayushman Bharat, and to expand coverage to new sectors. Notably, the budget also announced the inclusion of 1 crore gig workers under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, ensuring that this growing workforce has access to quality healthcare services
3. Enhanced Coverage for Existing Beneficiaries
For families already enrolled in Ayushman Bharat, the inclusion of senior citizens aged 70 and above provides an additional ₹5 lakh coverage per year for each senior member. This top-up is separate from the existing family floater scheme, ensuring that the healthcare needs of senior citizens are adequately met without affecting the coverage of other family members.
4. Integration with Other Public Health Schemes
Senior citizens who are already beneficiaries of other public health insurance schemes, such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), or Ayushman CAPF, have the option to either continue with their existing scheme or opt for Ayushman Bharat. This flexibility allows beneficiaries to choose the scheme that best suits their healthcare needs
5. Digital Health Infrastructure and Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)
The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) continues to play a pivotal role in transforming India’s healthcare landscape. As of 2025, over 66.70 crore Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA) have been created, facilitating seamless access to healthcare services. The integration of electronic health records and the establishment of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (formerly Health and Wellness Centres) further enhance the accessibility and quality of healthcare services across the country
6. Future Prospects and Policy Directions
Looking ahead, the government plans to further expand the scope of Ayushman Bharat by incorporating additional health services and increasing the number of empanelled hospitals. The focus will also be on strengthening the digital health infrastructure to ensure that beneficiaries, especially in rural and remote areas, have access to quality healthcare services. Collaborations with private healthcare providers and international health organizations are also being explored to enhance the scheme’s effectiveness and reach.
Conclusion
Ayushman Bharat’s expansion in 2025 signifies a significant step towards achieving universal health coverage in India. By including senior citizens aged 70 and above and extending coverage to gig workers, the scheme addresses the healthcare needs of diverse population segments. The continuous enhancement of digital health infrastructure and integration with other public health schemes further strengthens the foundation of India’s healthcare system. As the scheme evolves, it holds the potential to transform the healthcare landscape, ensuring accessible and affordable healthcare for all.
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