The Central government has introduced new rules allowing central government employees to choose between parents or in-laws as dependents for CGHS and CS(MA) benefits. According to reports from Upstox Securities, this represents a significant change in the dependent selection process for government employees. The new ruling provides employees with the flexibility to select the family members they wish to include in their health and medical insurance coverage. A notification was issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on May 13 aimed at bringing uniformity in the implementation of medical dependency rules. The ministry clarified that the provision was first introduced for CGHS beneficiaries and later extended to those covered under CS(MA) Rules.
As reported by Upstox Securities, the new ruling clarifies that male government employees shall be eligible to exercise a one-time option regarding dependent selection. This provision ensures that male employees have the same rights as female employees in choosing their family members for health and medical benefits. The one-time option structure provides employees with a permanent decision that cannot be changed once selected. The choice between parents or parents-in-law cannot be changed later, even if one passes away. Likewise, if they select parents-in-law, they will not be allowed to switch back to parents later. This permanent nature ensures long-term planning for family medical coverage.
For CGHS card issuance, the term "family" includes husband, wife and other dependent members. Dependent family members include either parents or parents-in-law of a central government employee, along with children, step-children, minor brothers and sisters and widowed sisters or daughters. As per the rules, sons are covered up to 25 years of age or till marriage, whichever is earlier, while daughters are covered until marriage. Dependent divorced or separated daughters, including their minor children, are also included. The July 2023 Office Memorandum clarified that central government employees, both male and female, may choose either their parents or parents-in-law for CGHS medical benefits, subject to conditions of dependency and residence being fulfilled. Under the new rule, employees can no longer include both their parents and in-laws together under CGHS benefits. Either include their own parents or select their in-laws, but not both sides.
According to the new rules reported by Upstox Securities, the CGHS and CS(MA) benefits cover health and medical insurance for government employees. The selection of parents or in-laws as dependents will determine the scope of medical coverage available to the employee's family. Central government employees enrolled under CGHS pay monthly subscription charges through salary deduction by their departments. The amount depends on their pay level in the 7th Pay Commission pay matrix, with higher pay levels attracting higher contributions. These deductions provide access to CGHS medical facilities for employees and eligible family members. As per the 7th Pay Commission, employees pay a fixed monthly contribution for CGHS from their salary. Level 12 and above: ₹1,000 per month. Retired government employees can also continue using CGHS services.
The new clarification has created concern among lakhs of employees across the country, with several employee unions unhappy with the new rule. They argue that family responsibilities change with time, and a strict one-time option may create difficulties later. There is a possibility that unions may soon ask the government to reconsider the rule and allow employees to change their option in special situations. Many employees say this rule is emotionally stressful because they are responsible for caring for both families. Employee unions believe family situations can change over time due to illness, widowhood, or financial problems, creating growing demand for more flexibility in the rule.
