Why BJP pledge of Ayushman Bharat cover for 70+ may strike a chord with elderly electorate

Lok Sabha election 2024: The BJP also promises that senior citizens’ access to social security benefits and other government services will be increased.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised that every citizen above 70 years of age shall be brought under the ambit of Ayushman Bharat scheme if the BJP retains power in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

“The biggest concern of the elderly is how they will afford treatment for their ailments. This concern is even more serious for the middle class. BJP has now taken the sankalp that every individual above 70 years of age will be brought within the purview of Ayushman Bharat Yojana,” said PM Modi after releasing the BJP manifesto on April 14.

How will the Ayushman Bharat scheme help senior citizens?

The Ayushman Bharat is a national health insurance assurance scheme under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The scheme provides a health insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh per family. The services covered under the scheme include approximately 1,929 procedures Ab-PMJAY covers approximately 1,393 treatment procedures and up to three days of pre-hospitalization and 15 days post-hospitalisation expenses, including medicines, supplies, diagnostic services, physician’s fees, room charges, surgeon charges, OT and ICU charges etc among others.

According to reports, the scheme currently covers 34 crore citizens. Under the existing provision, there is no age limit but only five members per family can avail of the benefits accruing from the scheme. As a result, often both grandparents are not included. With the BJP promising to extend this coverage, now the senior citizens can also be included. “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,” a Union Minister told News18.

The BJP also promised that senior citizens’ access to social security benefits and other government services will be increased. Senior citizens will be trained in using UPI and other online payment methods and educated on how to avoid digital scams.

How will this help BJP in the Lok Sabha elections?

Over six crore voters in India are reportedly above 70 years of age and over 81 are aged 85 or above. The BJP, which is seeking a record third term under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has set a target of 370 seats for itself and 400 seats for the National Democratic Alliance.

The pledge may help BJP garner more support from the senior citizens and thus boost its tally nationally. Not only senior citizens but their families are also likely to be thankful for such a 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".