A big update related to CGHS has come for the employees.
CGHS: A very important update has come out regarding health facilities for central employees. It is a big responsibility for working people to manage the medical expenses of their family. In such a situation, the Central Government has clarified the status of some rules related to the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) by issuing a new Memorandum (OM) on 13 May 2026. This new order mainly applies to who the employees can consider as dependents for their medical benefits, either parents or in-laws.
You will get only one chance to decide
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, eligible employees can now choose their parents or parents-in-law as dependent family members under CGHS and CS(MA) rules. However, the government has also imposed a strict condition. Male employees will be allowed to choose this option only once.
This means that once an employee has selected his parents as dependents, he cannot change it in the name of parents-in-law in future. Even in a tragic situation like the death of parents, this decision will not be reversed. Similarly, after choosing mother-in-law and father-in-law, it cannot be changed back in favor of parents. This arrangement is an extension of the order of July 2023, in which both male and female employees were given this option.
Premium is deducted according to salary
To avail the best benefit of this scheme, a fixed amount is deducted every month from the salaries of the employees. This monthly deduction depends on the pay matrix level of the Seventh Pay Commission (7th CPC).
- Employees from level 1 to 5 have to contribute Rs 250 every month.
- For level 6 people this amount has been fixed at Rs 450.
- Rs 650 is deducted from the salary of employees falling between level 7 to 11.
- For officers of level 12 or above, this amount is Rs 1,000 per month.
Who is included in the definition of family?
The definition of ‘family’ has also been completely clarified under the rules. Apart from the husband or wife, this includes those members who are completely dependent on the employee. Generally it is necessary for them to stay with the employee. These include parents or in-laws, sisters, widowed sisters, widowed daughters, minor siblings and children. The son is considered dependent till the age of 25 years or his marriage (whichever is earlier). In case of a daughter, this facility is available till she gets married. Dependent divorced or separated daughters as well as their minor children have also been considered part of the scheme.
Great options available to pensioners
The government has also kept in mind the needs of retired employees. Pensioners living in CGHS coverage areas can avail the benefits of both OPD and Hospitalization (IPD) facilities by registering themselves. Such pensioners do not get Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA).
Pensioners who live in non-CGHS areas have many options. If they wish, they can take Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) every month. The second option is that they can get treatment facilities by registering in a nearby CGHS city, but then they will have to leave FMA. Apart from this, there is also a middle path. Pensioners can opt for FMA for their routine check-up (OPD) and avail CGHS facility for major hospitalization (IPD) expenses.
