The central government has clarified CGHS medical benefit rules for employees’ parents and parents-in-laws. According to the rules, such employees can choose either parents or parents-in-laws as dependents for CGHS benefits They need to make such a choice under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) and Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules, 1944 [CS(MA) Rules].
As per an Office Memorandum (OM) issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on May 13, 2026, eligible central government employees can choose either their parents or parents-in-law as dependent family members for availing medical facilities under CGHS and CS(MA) Rules, subject to prescribed dependency and eligibility conditions.
The ministry said this provision had earlier been introduced for CGHS beneficiaries and was later extended to beneficiaries covered under CS(MA) Rules, 1944 as well.
Male employees can use one-time option to select parents, parents-in-law for CGHS benefits
The government has clarified that a male central government employee can exercise the option to choose either parents, or parents-in-law as dependent family members for medical facilities only once.
Once this option is opted for in favour of parents, the male employee will not be allowed to choose parents-in-law as dependents later on, specially in situations where parents have passed away or for other reasons.
Male employees can’t reverse their decision related to CGHS benefits
Similarly, where the option has once been exercised in favour of parents-in-law, the same shall not subsequently be changed in favour of parents, including in cases arising due to demise of parents or otherwise, the OM said.
“Similarly, where the option has once been exercised in favour of parents-in-law, the same shall not subsequently be changed in favour of parents,” the OM further said.
July 2023 order about CGHS benefits for parents/parents-in-law
In July 2023, an OM clarified that both male and female central government employees will have the choice to include either their parents or parents-in-law for CGHS benefits subject to the conditions of dependence and residence, etc., being satisfied.
CGHS contribution charges for central government employees
The following deductions from the salary of central government employees are made by their respective departments every month depending upon their pay in the pay matrix of the 7th Pay commission.
Monthly CGHS charges as per 7th CPC pay matrix
Level 1-5- Rs 250
Level 6- Rs 450
Level 7-11- Rs 650
Level 12 and above- Rs 1,000
For CGHS card issuance, who are 'dependent', and what is the definition of the word ‘family’?
Husband or wife, as the case may be and other family members can be dependent.
Dependent family members include: Parents (a central government employee can have either their parents or parents-in-law as dependents), sisters, widowed sisters, widowed daughters, minor brothers and minor sister, children and step-children wholly dependent upon the government servant and who are normally residing with the government servant (son up to the age of 25 or till his marriage whichever is earlier and daughter till she gets married). In addition, 'dependent’ also includes, dependent divorced /separated daughters (including their dependent minor children).
What are the different options for pensioners to avail CGHS services?
Pensioners residing in CGHS-covered areas:
a) Can get themselves registered in CGHS dispensaries after making requisite contribution and can avail both OPD and IPD facilities.
b) Such pensioners are not eligible for a fixed medical allowance in lieu of CGHS.
Pensioners residing in non-CGHS areas have the following options –
a) They can opt for availing Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) per month.
b) They can also avail benefits of CGHS (OPD and IPD) by registering themselves in the nearest CGHS city after making the required subscription. In such cases no FMA is given
c) They also have the option to availing FMA for OPD treatment and CGHS only for IPD treatments after making the required subscriptions as per CGHS guidelines.
