How PM Modi’s 'Health Insurance for 70+' Scheme Will Cushion Middle Class, Benefit BJP in Battle 2024

Over six crore senior citizens in India will benefit from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promise to extend medical insurance coverage under Ayushman Bharat to all Indians above the age of 70 years if the BJP is voted to power.

The BJP went by widespread public feedback to include this point in the manifesto, a Union minister told News18. “Most medical insurance companies don’t offer medical insurance to those above 70 years of age, as they anticipate a high number of claims from this age group. The few insurers who do offer medical insurance to those above 70 years of age have extremely high annual premiums that many middle-class families can’t afford,” the minister explained to News18.

Another government source said there are also pre-ailment clauses that don’t cover existing ailments for two-three years. “In short, the policy is not effective for two to three years despite paying a heavy premium,” the source explained. He said incidentally, this age group above 70 is the one that needs medical insurance the most as they are prone to falling sick or already suffering from serious ailments like heart disease, kidney ailments and lung or brain diseases.

“The situation is even more precarious post the Covid-19 pandemic as immunity of those above 70 years of age is more vulnerable after the pandemic,” another government source said. “Many 70+ age people suffering from serious ailments require costly medical treatment but the middle class has no option to pay for it from their pocket or cough up heavy premiums that upset their budget,” the source said.

A BJP leader said: “Over six crore people in India are above 70 years of age. They will be appreciative of this move, plus their families will be thankful for such a big step.”

BJP MP Manoj Tiwari told News18 that the PM himself is 70-plus and has thought of those of his age in an immensely humane gesture. The Ayushman Bharat Yojana offers free medical insurance of Rs 5 lakh per year to a poor family. BJP has promised that every person above 70 years of age will now be covered under the scheme.