Extend AB scheme to pvt sector retirees: Noida residents to PM

A residents’ group in Noida has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to extend the benefits of Ayushman Bharat health care scheme to senior citizens retired from the private sector with no medical benefits.

Only low-income families are eligible for benefits under this health insurance scheme. However, the Noida Federation of Apartment Owners Association (NOFAA) appears to be recommending access to the scheme for more people.

“A large population of our country consists of senior citizens above the age of 60 years. This figure, which is around 12 per cent now, is increasing day by day with the passage of time. Although they pay their taxes honestly, still some of them are so unfortunate that they are not entitled to any benefit of government schemes. They have been left high and dry on the road,” NOFAA said in the letter.

“Majority of senior citizens working in the private sector do not get pension or medical facilities after retirement. The rate of interest on deposits is so low that they can’t manage to even have two meals a day.

“During their sunset years, they need more medical attention. Also the insurance companies are reluctant to give them any suitable cover,” the letter added.

The NOFAA said the entire country is praising PM Modi’s Ayushman Bharat scheme, which provides certain sections of the population with a medical cover of up to Rs 5 lakh. PTI