Investment-Savings: Ayushman is not enough for senior citizens, coverage of Rs 5 lakh is inadequate

New Delhi| The extension of the Government’s health insurance scheme is expected to benefit 4.5 million families. It has 60 million people above 70 years of age. This health plan has its limitations which can significantly affect the dependency of this plan in severe cases. As the scheme will cover senior citizens aged 70 and over, there is a question as to whether senior citizens should also insure themselves or rely on the same scheme. Ayushman can provide cashless treatment in 29,000 hospitals in India.

Coverage of Rs 5 lakh inadequate

Coverage of Rs 5 lakh is inadequate as a primary health insurance option. Coverage as a family floater is limited to 5 lakhs. If there are two senior members in a family, this amount will be shared between the two. With a coverage of Rs 5 lakh, you can hardly treat minor ailments. If there is any disease in which there is continuous expenditure, then this amount is insufficient for you.

Premium is not to be paid in Ayushman

Ayushman acts as protection for vulnerable populations amid rising health care costs. Especially those people who are not actively employed and are dependent on external support. There is no premium to be paid for this scheme. Unlike private health insurance policies, Ayushman covers pre-existing illness from day one. This will benefit those who are unable to afford health insurance coverage due to diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer and other pre-existing diseases.

Benefits even if you already have health insurance

Senior citizens from families already enrolled in Ayushman Bharat will get an additional Rs 5 lakh coverage for their medical needs. Those who are currently covered by schemes like CGHS, ECHS, or Ayushman CAPF can continue their existing scheme or switch to Ayushman Bharat. You can take this scheme even if you already have health insurance. This plan will be beneficial for a large number of people, but it is not a complete solution for all health care needs. The scheme has some limitations in terms of providing quality and accessible healthcare to senior citizens.

No quality hospitals in the panel

Ayushman is mainly designed for economically weaker sections. The network of hospitals included in its panel is limited to government and some private hospitals. Selection of hospitals remains a problem for senior citizens. If the preferred hospital or doctor is not part of this network and you do not have any other insurance policy, you will have to compromise on the quality and availability of specialized treatment. Many beneficiaries may have to go far to get good facilities. That means the expenses of their running and commuting will put an additional burden on them.