The Indian government has extended the Ayushman Bharat scheme to cover all senior citizens above the age of 70. Under this scheme, they will receive free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh annually. According to the government, 6 crore senior citizens will benefit from this scheme, covering nearly 4.5 crore families in the country. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had promised this in its election manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that ₹3,437 crore will be allocated initially for the scheme, and as more people join, the coverage will be expanded. The government also mentioned that senior citizens above 70, regardless of their financial status, will be able to avail of the benefits. A new separate card will be issued for them. For families already covered under Ayushman Bharat, an additional ₹5 lakh coverage will be provided for senior citizens above 70. This additional coverage cannot be used by other family members.