The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India, was asked by a Member of Parliament whether the government has any proposal to increase the monthly medical allowance for pensioners not availing CGHS facilities, and if so, to provide the details.
T R Baalu asked whether the government plans to increase the monthly medical allowance for pensioners not availing CGHS facilities. He also inquired about the details of such a proposal, if any, and the steps taken by the government to ensure that retired employees can address their medical needs with the existing allowance.
In its reply, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) clarified that there is no proposal to increase the Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) for central government pensioners residing in areas not covered under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS).
The statement was made by Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav in Parliament on December 6, 2024, in response to a query by Baalu, MP, during the Lok Sabha session.
What is current Fixed Medical Allowance under Central Pay Commission?
Currently, the FMA stands at Rs 1,000 per month, a rate last revised based on the recommendations of the Central Pay Commission. The allowance is intended to help pensioners meet their day-to-day medical expenses.
The government stated that pensioners residing in non-CGHS areas have multiple options for healthcare. They can opt for the FMA in lieu of OPD facilities under CGHS or register themselves in a nearby CGHS-covered city for comprehensive OPD and IPD benefits by paying the required subscription. Additionally, pensioners can combine the two benefits by availing FMA for OPD treatment and CGHS for inpatient services.
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“The Central Government Pensioners residing in non-CGHS covered areas also have the following options: They can avail Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) in lieu of OPD facilities under CGHS. They can also avail benefits of CGHS (OPD & IPD) by registering themselves in the nearby CGHS covered city after making the required subscription,” the minister said.
The government reiterated that the FMA is designed to provide basic support for medical needs but did not indicate any immediate plans for further enhancement.
