Tamil Nadu announces health insurance scheme for senior citizens

The Tamil Nadu government has announced a new health insurance scheme for elderly residents. Health Minister K.G. Arunraj told the Assembly on Monday that the 'Chief Minister's Elderly Health Insurance Scheme' will cover nearly 38 lakh senior citizens aged 70 and above. It will offer free medical treatment, including cancer care, advanced cardiac surgeries, organ transplants, and high-end diagnostic services, at empanelled government and private hospitals. There will be no ceiling on income. The Health department described the scheme as part of the State government's broader efforts to strengthen geriatric outreach and provide holistic care for its ageing population. Officials noted that the ageing population is steadily increasing, with projections pointing to continued growth in the coming decades.