Union Cabinet Approves Health Cover for All Aged 70 and Above
The Union Cabinet has extended the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat PM Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to all senior citizens aged 70 and above, irrespective of their income. Announced by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the scheme will provide free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh per year, benefiting around 6 crore individuals and 4.5 crore families.
Senior citizens will receive a distinct card under AB PM-JAY. Those already covered will get an additional Rs 5 lakh top-up per year, while those not currently enrolled will be eligible for coverage up to Rs 5 lakh annually on a family basis.
Senior citizens using other public health schemes like the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) or Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) can choose between their existing plans or AB PM-JAY. Individuals with private insurance or Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) will also be eligible under AB PM-JAY.
Role: The Union Cabinet is the supreme decision-making body in the executive branch of India, responsible for key policy decisions, approving bills, and implementing national programs.
Head: It is chaired by the Prime Minister and comprises senior ministers of the government.
Appointment: Cabinet members are appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
Functions: It includes making laws, framing policies, national security decisions, foreign relations, and economic reforms.
Collective Responsibility: The Cabinet operates on the principle of collective responsibility to the Parliament, meaning all decisions are jointly upheld by the entire Cabinet.
Types of Ministers: Includes Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State with independent charge, and Ministers of State.
Did you know that not all fruits give the same amount of Vitamin C? While…
In an important decision related to senior bureaucratic postings, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet…
Did you know that some countries are home to completely opposite natural worlds? In one…
The Pro Wrestling League (PWL) 2026 ended with high drama as Haryana Thunders lifted the…
Nivedita Dubey has assumed charge as Member (Human Resources) of the Airports Authority of India…
On February 2, 2026, the Assam government declared a ₹50 crore grant to preserve and…