PM-JAY May Become New Health Option for CGHS Pensioners - Read Here
A new proposal could give central government pensioners an additional health insurance option. According to a report by Financial Express, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) may soon be offered to beneficiaries of the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) and the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS).
The Proposal
Shiva Gopal Mishra, the secretary of the National Council (Staff Side) Joint Consultative Machinery for Central Government Employees, has formally proposed this plan to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The proposal comes after the government extended PM-JAY benefits to senior citizens aged 70 and above who are already receiving coverage under schemes like CGHS and ECHS.
How Will It Work?
If implemented, nearly 6 crore senior citizens could benefit from this option. They will have the choice to either continue with their current health insurance benefits or switch to the PM-JAY scheme. Senior citizens who have private health insurance or are covered under the Employees’ State Insurance Scheme (ESIS) can also choose to take advantage of PM-JAY.
The contribution amounts are based on the Seventh Central Pay Commission (CPC) pay matrix. For example, levels one to five will contribute ₹30,000, levels seven to eleven will contribute ₹78,000, and levels twelve and above will contribute ₹1,20,000.
Why Is This Important?
Mishra’s proposal highlights the financial burden that retired employees face when they have to make a large one-time payment to avail CGHS benefits. He argues that it is unfair to make senior citizens choose between CGHS and PM-JAY, as PM-JAY was created to support all senior citizens, regardless of their financial situation.
In his letter, Mishra has requested the government to reconsider this decision and allow both benefits. He has also asked for a meeting with the Staff Side of the National Council to discuss this issue further.
This proposal, if accepted, could provide better healthcare options for many pensioners and senior citizens across India.