The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has issued revised guidelines for obtaining Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) cards. These updates reflect technological advancements and changes in CGHS contribution methods. This Office Memorandum (OM) was issued on June 28, 2024 and the revised guidelines contained therein shall come into effect from July 28, 2024.
Serving Employees
A mandatory online application process generates a temporary reference number.
A printout with signatures and photographs must be submitted to the employee’s department for processing and forwarding to the CGHS Additional Director. Copies are sent to the Additional Director (city) and the sponsoring department for CGHS benefits. The Head of Department/Office sponsors the application.
Retired Employees
Retired Central Government employees and their families (excluding those receiving Fixed Medical Allowance) can apply for a CGHS card.
Retirees can choose an Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) with a CGHS card (IPD only) by paying a full subscription. This card allows cashless indoor treatment at CGHS empanelled hospitals and reimbursement for treatments at other hospitals.
Applicants must submit the completed application form (Annexure-1) with payment proof to the Additional Director of the CGHS city.
Payment for annual or lifetime CGHS cards is made through Bharat Kosh challan (Annexure-4). Rates vary based on pay level (details in the article).
Required Documents include Self-attested PPO/ Provisional PPO, Aadhaar/ PAN card, disability certificate (if applicable), photographs, Bharat Kosh challan, and proof of FMA status (if applicable).
A common SOP has been created that applies to both serving and retired employees (Annexure-4).
Additionally, retiring employees can apply for a pensioner card 6 months before retirement through the online portal.
Upon verification, beneficiaries can access an electronic CGHS card through the CGHS website, myCGHS app, or Digilocker app. This digital card is valid for availing benefits.
In case of lost or mutilated Card Replacement, application forms AA or BB (Annexure 5 & 6) with a Rs. 100/- Bharat Kosh challan are required for a new plastic card. To promote digital cards, no fee applies if a beneficiary opts for a renewal without a new plastic card.
Existing instructions for Members of Parliament, Ex-Members of Parliament, etc., remain unchanged.
CGHS beneficiaries must inform CGHS of any changes in family member dependency to avoid withdrawal of benefits.
Pertinently, integration of CGHS with Bhavishya (pensioners) and e-HRMS (serving employees) portals is under consideration.
