Why in the News?

The Union government has expanded its flagship health insurance program, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. The revised scheme will now offer health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of their income.

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)

• Launched: 2018
• It is the largest health assurance scheme in the world.
• Funding
  • 60:40 for all states and UTs with their own legislature.
  • For North-Eastern States and Himalayan States, the ratio is 90:10.
  • In the case of Union Territories without legislatures, the Central contribution of premium is 100%.
• Objectives: To provide financial protection for health care expenses to economically vulnerable individuals and families across India.
• Ayushman Bharat: It has two components:
  • Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), earlier known as the National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS)
  • Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs)