Universal health coverage initiatives for elderly-a review of ayushman bharat program in india

Abstract

The majority of elderly often do not have financial protection such as sufficient pension and another form of social security in India. Due to limited access, inadequate availability, poor quality and costly health care services, the government of India came up with Ayushman Bharat Program (ABP) in September 2018. In India, the majority of the elderly are illiterate, dependent on others, and unaware of new government schemes. Hence, there is very less participation by the elderly in government programs. If ABP implemented successfully and supplemented with additional interventions, the program can prove a potential platform to reform the Indian healthcare system and to accelerate India’s journey towards universal health coverage. But in developing countries like India inclusion of elderly in the health insurance program is often the most challenging as most of time they are not in a position to pay any premium because of financial hardship and hardest to reach. ABP is an entitlement-based scheme where there is no advance enrolment process, making elderly aware of the scheme is the most critical aspect. Information, education and communication activities need to be carried out to inform elderly about the scheme. A detailed communication strategy needs to be developed for accessibility and adaptability of ABP by the elderly in India. This study will identify various factors that act as a facilitator or barrier for elderly in accessing and adapting ABP.