Views | Including Septuagenarians in Ayushman Bharat: A Positive Development
It is encouraging that the BJP has included a pledge in its platform for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections to include elderly folks 70 years of age and older in the government’s main healthcare program for the weaker segments of society. It tackles a major issue—that of the aging population’s inability to get affordable health insurance—but its scope should have been expanded.
About 50 crore individuals, or 10 crore households, are expected to get free medical care up to Rs 5 lac annually via Ayushman Bharat. Some gentle criticism of the coverage has been leveled at the inclusion of tailors of all colors, with few recognizing that, given that Ayushmaan Bharat is a targeted subsidy rather than a freewheeling program, many tailors may be extremely well off.
The exclusion of older people is especially concerning in a nation where health insurers often view them with contempt as high-risk individuals. If health coverage is extended to them, it is often at an unjustifiable price in comparison to the extent of the coverage. As a result, a large number of quite well-off seniors have accepted self-insurance. Instead of getting health insurance, they save money for a health war chest that they can use for both routine geriatric treatments like knee replacements, teeth implants, cataract surgeries, and other procedures that are common for senior citizens in their later years and for which they are frequently severely underpaid by health insurers.
Though reluctantly and perhaps belatedly, the BJP has dutifully responded to their concerns. When one receives the honorific “senior” at age 60, which often corresponds with hanging up one’s job boots, why is there a 70-year requirement? In fact, life expectancy in India has been rising significantly; the typical Indian was almost 67 years old when they passed away, according to the 2021 census. However, one cannot rely only on chance for longevity. Seniors suffering from geriatric ailments often do not reach the age of 70. Therefore, maybe the government would be a bit more lenient and provide Ayushmaan coverage to those who have turned 65. Nonetheless, the BJP manifesto deserves praise for setting a new precedent. Thankfully, it has not committed to providing Ayushmaan coverage for “very senior citizens,” since the Income Tax legislation stipulates that the eligibility age is 80 years old. However, that is.
It is to be hoped that the new endeavor is comprehensive and does not overlook common maladies of the elderly, such as dental and vision issues. In addition, a large number of elderly people have diabetes and high blood pressure, which necessitates taking medication daily to manage these potentially fatal illnesses that are dismissively referred to as lifestyle diseases. As it is, hospitalization is the main focus of Indian health insurance. As long as they are endorsed and approved by government physicians, say on an annual basis, there is no reason why the senior citizens’ insurance in the future shouldn’t pay for pharmacy expenditures. For the simple reason that it is simpler to wrangle a fake chemical bill than a fake hospital charge, the government has greater faith in hospitals than in the omnipresent chemists. However, that is.
Currently, the only thing done to improve the health of older people is a higher deduction under section 80D of the Income Tax Act, which applies to both seniors and younger people who pay their parents’ health insurance payments. However, it hasn’t even touched the edge of the issue. Adding older folks to the Ayushmaan Bharat program is a significant first step for any political party. Should the BJP be elected back into power on June 4, I hope it keeps to its word.
