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CGHS: A crucial update regarding healthcare facilities for central government employees has recently emerged. For salaried individuals, managing their family's medical expenses constitutes a significant responsibility. In this context, the Central Government, through a new Office Memorandum (OM) issued on May 13, 2026, has clarified the position regarding certain rules associated with the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). This new directive primarily addresses which family members—specifically, one's own parents or parents-in-law—an employee may designate as 'dependents' for the purpose of availing medical benefits.

**Only One Opportunity to Make the Choice**
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, eligible employees may now choose to designate either their own parents or their parents-in-law as dependent family members under the CGHS and CS(MA) Rules. However, the government has imposed a strict condition: male employees will be permitted to exercise this option only once.

This implies that if an employee has once designated their own parents as dependents, they cannot subsequently alter this choice to designate their parents-in-law in the future. Even in the unfortunate event of the demise of the designated parents, this decision cannot be reversed. Similarly, once the parents-in-law have been chosen, the designation cannot be subsequently switched back to favor the employee's own parents. This arrangement serves as an extension of the order issued in July 2023, which granted this option to both male and female employees.

**Premium Deducted Based on Salary**
To avail of the comprehensive benefits offered by this scheme, a fixed amount is deducted from the employee's salary every month. This monthly contribution is determined based on the employee's Pay Matrix Level as per the 7th Central Pay Commission (7th CPC).

Employees falling under Levels 1 to 5 are required to contribute ₹250 per month.
For employees in Level 6, this contribution amount has been fixed at ₹450.
For employees falling between Levels 7 and 11, a sum of ₹650 is deducted from their salary. For officers at Level 12 or above, this amount stands at ₹1,000 per month.

**Who is included in the definition of 'Family'?**
Under the rules, the definition of 'family' has been clearly delineated. In addition to the spouse, it includes those members who are wholly dependent on the employee. Generally, it is a requirement that these members reside with the employee. This includes parents or parents-in-law, sisters, widowed sisters, widowed daughters, minor siblings, and children. A son is considered a dependent until the age of 25 or until his marriage (whichever occurs earlier). In the case of a daughter, this benefit is available until her marriage. Dependent divorced or separated daughters, as well as their minor children, are also considered part of the scheme.

**Excellent Options Available to Pensioners**
The government has also taken into account the needs of retired employees. Pensioners residing in areas covered by CGHS can register themselves to avail of both Outpatient Department (OPD) and Inpatient Department (IPD)—hospitalization—facilities. Such pensioners are not entitled to the Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA).

Pensioners residing in non-CGHS areas have several options available to them. They may choose to receive a Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) on a monthly basis. The second option is to register in a nearby CGHS-covered city to avail of medical treatment facilities; however, in this case, they must forgo the FMA. Furthermore, there is a middle-ground option: pensioners can opt for the FMA to cover their routine check-ups (OPD) while simultaneously availing of CGHS facilities to cover major hospitalization expenses (IPD).

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