There is good news for the elderly. Now people aged 70 years and above will get the benefit of the government’s health scheme Ayushman Bharat. This will especially benefit those elderly people who cannot buy a health policy themselves. Most users on social media have expressed happiness over this decision of the government. Some users have said that now senior citizens do not need to take an individual health policy. The question is whether this is right?
Benefits to such elderly people who cannot pay the premium themselves
Ashish Sethi, Head (Health SBU and Travel) of Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, said, “Now the medical care needs of the elderly will be properly met. Now income will not come in the way of their treatment.” This decision of the government is very important for those elderly people who cannot pay the premium of the health policy themselves. Along with this, it will also help those elderly people who already have diabetes, BP, cancer and heart disease.
Not all senior citizens will benefit from this
But, this government health policy is not useful for all people aged 70 years and above. An insurance industry official said, “The government health policy is good for those people who need basic medical care. They can get treatment in hospitals under the panel, where the cost of treatment is fixed.” Under Ayushman Bharat, the elderly will have to stand in line for treatment or medical examination. Many elderly people may face difficulties in this.
Still waiting for the release of rules and conditions
The government has not yet given details about the rules and conditions of the Ayushman Bharat scheme for the elderly. It is not clear yet whether the conditions of this health scheme will be the same for the elderly as for the people below the poverty line. Will the government give any kind of concession to the elderly keeping in mind their health? An insurance industry official said, “For example, if an elderly person wants a single private for himself, then there is less chance of it being available.”
One will have to spend money from pocket for treatment from special experts
Another official associated with the insurance industry said, “Even if the elderly do not want luxury care, many such people would like to get treatment from the doctor or heart specialist whose services they have been taking for a long time. It is possible that such doctors and experts do not come under the panel hospital of Ayushman Bharat.” In such a situation, they will have to go to the hospital which their doctor will recommend to them. In such a situation, if the elderly do not have their own health policy, then they will have to spend money from their pocket. Apart from this, people of 70 years and above have difficulty in walking. In such a situation, if there is no hospital from the panel of Ayushman Bharat near their house, then they will have to face problems.
Ayushman Bharat can be considered as a back-up option
Experts say that people aged 70 years and above should consider Ayushman Bharat Health Scheme as a back-up option. It cannot be a substitute for a standalone health policy. Sethi said that under a standalone policy, a wide network of hospitals is available for treatment. Also, the elderly need a health policy with higher cover. A cover of Rs 5 lakh is not sufficient for the treatment of diseases occurring at an older age.
