Senior citizens hail AB scheme but call for double Rs 5 lakh insurance cover

HYDERABAD: The Union government’s decision to extend the Ayushman Bharat (AB) healthcare scheme to all citizens over 70 years of age, regardless of income and whether or not they have other health insurance cover, has received an overwhelming nod from senior citizens. This has particularly elated those who do not have any health insurance.

While many citizens appreciate the move, they believe its effectiveness hinges on an all-encompassing government support. This is apparently because most health insurance schemes do not cover outpatient costs. Hence, money spent on buying medicines and getting tests done remains a burden on people. In cases where advanced geriatric care is required, nursing homes and at-home services have to step in, which is not covered by the government schemes and overburdens families of patients.

Syed Mustafa Kamal, who does not have health insurance, was quite happy with the announcement but pointed out the gaps.

"I don't really think Rs five lakh is sufficient… Rs 10 lakh would make it more relevant,” opined Kamal, who at 65 has five more years before he can qualify.

“It should have been from 60 years and above as people develop health problems from around that age," he said.

Philip Joshua, a 67-year-old former advertising professional, also with no health insurance, said that the coverage will benefit citizens but policy’s fine print will need to be read.

“The amount of Rs 5 lakh is not enough in a private hospital. The decision to avail the benefits would depend on the costs that the government plans to cover. A significant portion of the costs in a private facility goes for bed-rent, medicines, medical and surgical equipment,” Joshua said.

C.S. Ravi, who recently retired assistant general manager of a bank, believes that the scheme has potential but isn’t a substitute for private insurance. "The amount of Rs 5 lakh is quite less. It does not encourage me to completely withdraw from my private health insurance, which covers heavier costs. If I can avail of AB benefits for the costs not covered by private insurance, it would be helpful," he said.

He also suggested that the government should cover the cost of diagnostic services because that is where most people shell down more money.

Ø India Ageing Report 2023 shows that in-patient services are accessed by only eight per cent of people while 59 per cent of the elderly seek outpatient care

Ø Over 63 per cent rely on private facilities.

Ø Telangana is witnessing a rapid increase in its elderly population.

Ø By 2036, the state’s senior citizens will make up 17.1 per cent of its population, up from 11 per cent in 2021.

Ø This puts more pressure on healthcare services, particularly for age-related issues, including heart problems, diabetes, and stroke, which are the main reasons for hospitalisations.