New Delhi: As India takes a significant step towards providing comprehensive healthcare support for its elderly population, with the extension of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to cover every citizen above the age of 70, it’s worth examining how other countries cater to the health needs of their senior citizens. From free medical treatments to subsidised healthcare plans, several nations offer robust support systems for the elderly.
India’s New Initiative for Seniors
The Union Cabinet’s recent decision to extend AB PM-JAY to cover all citizens over 70 years of age marks a landmark move in India’s healthcare landscape. Announced by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the expanded scheme will provide free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh per year, regardless of socio-economic status. This initiative aims to benefit approximately six crore senior citizens and 4.5 crore families across India.
Families already enrolled in the Ayushman Bharat scheme will receive an additional ₹5 lakh coverage specifically for their elderly members. A special card under AB PM-JAY will be issued to eligible citizens aged 70 and above, ensuring they receive an exclusive top-up cover for medical expenses without sharing it with other family members. “This is a crucial step towards ensuring the well-being of our elderly citizens,” said Minister Vaishnaw.
How Other Countries Protect Their Elderly Citizens
While India is now taking strides to provide comprehensive healthcare for its seniors, many countries have already established robust systems to ensure the health security of their aging populations.
United Kingdom (UK): The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) provides free healthcare to all residents, including those over 70. Healthcare services, such as GP visits, hospital treatments, and emergency services, are universally covered at the point of use, funded through taxes. Prescriptions are free for people over 60, ensuring that elderly citizens face no out-of-pocket expenses for essential medicines.
Canada: Under Canada’s Medicare, a publicly funded healthcare system, all citizens and permanent residents receive free healthcare services. Seniors over 65 are eligible for additional provincial benefits, which may include prescription drugs, home care, and long-term care services at reduced or no cost, although coverage can vary by province.
Australia: Australia’s Medicare programme provides free or subsidised healthcare services to all residents, including those over 70. This includes free treatment in public hospitals, subsidised visits to doctors and specialists, and prescription medications. Seniors may also receive additional benefits, such as discounts on medicines and healthcare services through the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.
Japan: Japan offers a comprehensive health insurance system that includes a special provision for the elderly. For those aged 75 and above, the Late-Stage Medical Care System for the Elderly covers 70–90% of medical costs, with the remaining expenses often capped or subsidised by the government, ensuring minimal financial burden on seniors.
South Korea: The National Health Insurance (NHI) in South Korea provides universal health coverage, with seniors over 65 receiving subsidies on medical expenses, including hospital stays and outpatient care. Additional benefits like free health check-ups are also provided to support the aging population.
Germany: Germany’s Statutory Health Insurance (SHI) covers seniors under a universal multi-payer healthcare system. While premiums are income-based, subsidies and exemptions are available for low-income pensioners, ensuring they can access necessary healthcare without financial strain.
Sweden: In Sweden, all residents, including those over 70, are entitled to free or low-cost healthcare services funded through taxes. This includes hospital treatment, doctor visits, and subsidised prescription drugs. Many municipalities provide additional benefits, such as home care services for seniors.
Norway: Norway’s National Insurance Scheme provides heavily subsidised or free healthcare to seniors, including hospital stays and outpatient care. The country also offers extensive support services like home care and nursing services for its elderly population.
France: France’s national health insurance system, L’Assurance Maladie, covers all citizens, including those over 70. While most healthcare costs are reimbursed, supplementary private insurance is often used to cover any remaining expenses. Seniors with low incomes may qualify for free supplementary insurance, providing an additional safety net.
New Zealand: New Zealand’s public healthcare system offers free or subsidised healthcare to all residents. People over 65, including those over 70, receive additional benefits like free or low-cost prescriptions, subsidised doctor visits, and access to community services. The SuperGold card also offers discounts on various health services.
Denmark: The Danish National Health Service provides universal healthcare to all residents, including seniors over 70, funded by taxes. Services such as doctor visits, hospital treatments, and home care are free at the point of use, with additional support available for elderly citizens.
Finland: Finland’s public healthcare system ensures comprehensive services for all citizens, funded by taxes. Seniors over 70 have access to free or subsidised services, including medical care, hospital services, and home care, with significant subsidies on prescription drugs.
Singapore: While not entirely free, Singapore’s MediShield Life offers universal health insurance coverage with heavily subsidised premiums for seniors. Additional assistance schemes are available to cover healthcare costs for low-income elderly residents.
Italy and Brazil: Italy’s National Health Service provides heavily subsidised or free healthcare for people over 65, including those over 70, with low incomes. Similarly, Brazil’s Unified Health System offers free healthcare services, including hospital care and primary care, for all citizens, focusing on the specific healthcare needs of seniors.
While many countries offer free or subsidised healthcare services for seniors above 70, the extent of coverage and benefits can vary. However, it is clear that nations with well-developed social welfare systems are committed to providing substantial support for their elderly populations. India’s recent expansion of health benefits for its seniors is a promising step towards aligning with global standards of care for the elderly.
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