Tamil Nadu to Launch Free Health Insurance Scheme for 70+ Senior Citizens, Along with INR 2,997 Cr Health Package

The government has further proposed TN Medicity, a large integrated hub combining clinical services, medical research, medical tourism, and AYUSH.

Tamil Nadu has announced a new health insurance scheme for nearly 38 lakh senior citizens aged 70 and above, alongside a wider INR 2,997 Cr healthcare package.

The measures combine financial protection, preventive screening, digital health services, healthcare infrastructure, and policy reforms.

Tamil Nadu’s Health Minister K.G. Arunraj announced 115 initiatives for the Health Department in the Assembly on Monday, covering healthcare access, workforce expansion, infrastructure, diagnostics, and technology-enabled services.

A central component is the proposed Chief Minister’s Elderly Health Insurance Scheme, which will provide free treatment to eligible residents aged 70 and above, irrespective of income.

Under the health insurance scheme, beneficiaries will be able to access treatment at empanelled government and private hospitals.

Coverage is expected to include cancer treatment packages, advanced cardiac procedures, organ transplants, and high-end diagnostic services, expanding financial protection for older adults requiring complex and potentially expensive care.

The announcements also place greater emphasis on preventive healthcare. The government will introduce ‘Nalam 360 - Annual Free Health Check-up for All’, under which people aged 30 and above will receive 14 basic diagnostic tests every year at 1,257 government health facilities.

Tests will include blood pressure, ECG, haemoglobin, complete haemogram, random blood sugar, urea, creatinine, total cholesterol, serum bilirubin, urine albumin, and VIA screening.

The State will also introduce Home-Based Diagnostic Services in metropolitan areas through a public-private partnership model, enabling sample collection and testing closer to people’s homes.

A ‘Nalam 360’ mobile application is also planned as part of a proposed Positive Health Policy focused on health and wellbeing at the individual, family, and community levels.

The government has further proposed TN Medicity, a large integrated hub combining clinical services, medical research, medical tourism, and AYUSH. INR 10 Cr will initially be allocated for preparing its Detailed Project Report.

Tamil Nadu also plans to replace the Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939, with new legislation designed to address contemporary and emerging public health challenges.

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