- 8th Pay Commission proposes replacing CGHS with a new comprehensive health insurance scheme for central employees and pensioners from 2025.
- New scheme aims to provide broader, cashless medical coverage of up to ₹5 lakh through IRDAI approved insurers, enhancing accessibility across India.
- Additional benefits under 8th Pay Commission include financial assistance for daughter’s marriage, housing loans, skill development, and education support.
8th Pay Commission has introduced plans to overhaul the existing Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) by launching a new health insurance scheme starting in 2025. This change intends to benefit millions of central government employees and pensioners with improved healthcare facilities and wider coverage.
Why is CGHS Being Replaced and What Does the New Health Scheme Offer?
CGHS currently provides healthcare services like medical treatment, medicines, diagnostics, and access to various hospitals, but its limited availability across the country has posed challenges for many beneficiaries.
Recognizing these limitations, 8th Pay Commission proposes to discontinue CGHS and introduce a Central Government Employees and Pensioners Health Insurance Scheme (CGEPHIS). This new scheme aims to offer all central employees and pensioners a more extensive and affordable health insurance plan, accessible nationwide.
Moreover, the new scheme will be implemented through insurance companies recognized by IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India), ensuring better quality, professionalism, and more hospitals under the network. Beneficiaries can expect streamlined claim processes and improved availability of cashless treatment facilities.
Key Benefits and Expected Changes under 8th Pay Commission Health Scheme
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Health Insurance | Cashless medical treatment coverage up to ₹5 lakh, extending better healthcare support. |
| Daughter’s Marriage Assistance | Financial aid up to ₹1 lakh for eligible workers. |
| Housing Support | Housing loans up to ₹2.5 lakh for house construction. |
| Skill Development | Free training programs along with daily allowances to enhance skills. |
| Education Support | Scholarships up to ₹50,000 per year for employees’ children. |
Enhanced Health Benefits for Employees and Pensioners
The upcoming health insurance scheme under 8th Pay Commission is set to provide improved access to medical services especially in areas where CGHS was unavailable, ensuring equitable health protection nationwide. Besides cashless services, discounts on medicines and diagnostic tests will be part of this scheme offering.
For pensioners, especially those living outside CGHS zones, optional enrollment to health insurance with extended hospital network coverage will provide crucial financial relief and health security.
How This Change Impacts Central Government Employees and Pensioners
This shift to a comprehensive health insurance scheme will significantly uplift the standard of medical care, make it more accessible and user-friendly for government employees and retirees. The new scheme aligns with modern health insurance practices and aims to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses.
While official implementation details and application procedures will be announced soon, employees are encouraged to stay updated with government notifications and prepare necessary documents for easy registration.
These benefits along with other support like marriage assistance, housing loans, skill training and education scholarships demonstrate a holistic approach by the 8th Pay Commission to improve welfare of central government employees and pensioners.
For more official information on 8th Pay Commission orders and updates, visit Department of Expenditure – Central Pay Commission.