CGHS Cardholder : CGHS cardholder government employees can get free treatment in private hospitals. They do not have to pay even a single rupee from the first day. You just have to take care of some things.
Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) is a major healthcare scheme for central government employees, pensioners and their families. Created in 1954, this scheme aims to provide affordable and easy healthcare to government employees. CGHS network provides healthcare facilities through empanelled hospitals, clinics and wellness centers across India.
What is CGHS?
Under CGHS, a small amount ranging from ₹250 to ₹1000 is deducted from the salary of the employees every month depending on their monthly income. In return, they are provided health services and medicines. CGHS operates a large network of wellness centers and pharmacies. Medicines prescribed by the doctor are available here. Under the CGHS scheme, employees are given the option to go to a panel hospital for special treatment and medicines.
Who is eligible for CGHS?
CGHS benefits are available to central government employees, their family members, pensioners, former and present members of Parliament, former Vice-President of India, freedom fighters, former Governors and Lieutenant Governors of India, former and present judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, Delhi Police employees, Railway Board employees and pensioners and employees of autonomous organizations of Delhi. Apart from this, eligible journalists of Press Information Bureau (PIB) can also avail this benefit in Delhi.
Is CGHS card valid in private hospitals?
Under CGHS, health services are provided to CGHS card holders in private hospitals included in the panel. These hospitals have made an agreement with the government, in which they provide treatment services at the rates fixed by CGHS. These treatment rates are lower than those for general patients. This arrangement provides CGHS beneficiaries with special treatment services that may not be available in government hospitals.
CGHS Claim Process
Medical bills are also reimbursed under CGHS. Suppose if you have got treatment in a private hospital and have made full payment. Even then you can get your medical bill reimbursed. For this, the claim for medical expenses has to be given in the CGHS office within three months. The maximum annual benefit for a family is limited to Rs 5 lakh.
How to apply for a new CGHS card?
Download the new pensioners CGHS card application form from the CGHS website or collect it from the CGHS office in your city. Fill in the required information in the form. Pay the required CGHS contribution online using the Bharat Kosh portal and generate a payment challan. Submit the filled form along with the challan and other required documents (such as proof of pension, address proof, etc.) to the CGHS additional director in your city. You can also apply for an e-card online.
Documents required for CGHS card
Proof of age in case of dependent son.
Disability Certificate issued by the Medical Board of a Government Hospital for dependent son above 25 years of age.
Copy of PPO/Provisional PPO or copy of Bharat Kosh Challan to the pensioner.
ID proof of dependent family members (like Passport, PAN card, masked Aadhaar, Voter ID card).
Address proof.
Documents proving dependent status (wherever applicable).
