15 Apr 2024 • In a bid to expand healthcare coverage and alleviate financial burdens on the elderly, a significant policy shift has been proposed in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Election Manifesto 2024.

• The Ayushman Bharat Yojana offers free medical insurance of Rs 5 lakh per year to a poor family. Under the proposed plan, health insurance coverage will be extended to all individuals aged 70 and above, effectively broadening the reach of the existing Ayushman Bharat scheme.
• The decision to extend health insurance to those aged 70 and above in the manifesto stemmed from public input as this age group often faces difficulty obtaining coverage due to high anticipated claims and prohibitively high premiums from insurers.
• Additionally, the inclusion of the transgender community under the Ayushman Bharat scheme signals a step towards more inclusive healthcare policies.

By addressing the healthcare needs of vulnerable groups, such initiatives could potentially contribute to building a more equitable and resilient healthcare infrastructure in India.

Source: NEWS18 | Read full story