New Delhi – In a pivotal announcement under the Ayushman Bharat health initiative, senior citizens aged 70 and above are now set to be encompassed within the government’s health insurance coverage. This landmark expansion, anticipated to be formally introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 29, will extend Ayushman Bharat’s protective health umbrella to millions more. However, citizens attempting to register under this initiative via the Ayushman Bharat portal are currently facing a temporary delay due to an ongoing system update.
Health Insurance Coverage Expansion Underway
As the government seeks to provide comprehensive healthcare access, this enhancement of the Ayushman Bharat scheme will provide eligible senior citizens with annual health insurance of up to INR 5 lakh per family, entirely free of cost. This initiative, poised to impact approximately six crore elderly individuals across the nation, underscores the administration’s commitment to delivering high-quality health services to all.
For now, the Ayushman Bharat portal is temporarily closed to new registrations as the platform undergoes a critical data update. Dr. Yogesh Bharsat, CEO of the Ayushman Bharat Niramayam scheme in Madhya Pradesh, has assured citizens that the portal will soon resume operations. Senior citizens are encouraged to refrain from unnecessary worry and to expect registration opportunities shortly.
Current Status in Madhya Pradesh
In Madhya Pradesh, the temporary suspension of the portal has affected roughly 100,000 eligible senior citizens in the state capital of Bhopal alone, who must wait until the platform’s reopening to benefit from the scheme. Government officials have reiterated that this suspension is only momentary, emphasizing that all eligible applicants will be covered once data updates conclude and the portal reopens.
The Ayushman Bharat program’s expansion marks a critical step toward ensuring robust healthcare access for senior citizens across the country, bridging gaps in public health services and fulfilling the government’s promise of accessible healthcare for every Indian.
