Hyderabad: The state government is considering issuing a government order (GO) outlining the details of the free health coverage program for all older people over the age of 70. The initiative follows a notice from Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy last year, extending free health insurance to all citizens last year regardless of their socio-economic situation.
However, the implementation of the plan took some time. The program is extended with the Center’s Ayushman Bharat program to everyone over the age of 70.
“All citizens over 70 years old are eligible for medical insurance up to 500,000,” said RV Karnan, Director of Health and Family Welfare. He added that Telangana’s existing Aarogyasri program provides up to 1 million coverage for all citizens.
The specific method of the plan is being finalized. “Once released, we hope more details will happen next week,” Carnan said.
Currently, Aarogyasri covers approximately 2.3 million elderly people from below the poverty line (BPL) households. With new plans, 500,000 coverage will be extended annually to extend above poverty line (APL) households.
Carnan also stressed that the program has registered 30,000 people on the National Health Portal. “Those who are covered by other programs such as the Central Government Health Program (CGHS) will not be able to benefit from the program. As these programs offer higher coverage, beneficiaries can choose whether to choose a new program,” he explained.
The new program is designed to support older people without any existing health insurance. However, many APL families prefer private insurance options because they believe that the $500,000 coverage is insufficient.
