Universal Health Coverage for All Senior Citizens (70+) & Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)

1. Universal Health Cover under PM-JAY for 70+ Age Group

The Union Cabinet approved universal health insurance coverage under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of income, socio-economic status, or BPL categorization.

• Provides a distinct top-up health cover of ₹5 Lakh per year for senior citizens aged 70+.
• Seniors belonging to families already covered under PM-JAY receive an exclusive ₹5 Lakh/year top-up strictly for themselves (which does not need to be shared with family members under 70).
• Senior citizens covered under other public health schemes (such as CGHS, ECHS, Ayushman CAPF) are given a one-time option to choose either their existing scheme or opt for AB PM-JAY.

2. Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) Rollout Rules

• Assured Pension: 50% of average basic pay drawn in the last 12 months for minimum qualifying service of 25 years.
• Assured Family Pension: 60% of the pension of the employee immediately before demising.
• Assured Minimum Pension: ₹10,000 per month on superannuation after minimum 10 years of service.
• Government contribution increased from 14% to 18.5%, while employee contribution remains at 10%.