Grant of fixed medical allowance for pensioners, family pensioners under NPS
NPS employees, who otherwise fulfil the conditions for availing CGHS facility fulling conditions, shall be eligible for grant of fixed medical allowance (FMA) on the same rates as in the case of pensioners drawing pension under Old Pension Scheme, if they are residing outside CGHS area and do not avail OPD facility under CGHS after retirement. This was announced via an office memorandum dated December 6, 2023 by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
Here is what the office memorandum states:
In accordance with the existing instructions, Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) is admissible to the Central Government civil pensioners/family pensioners (i) residing in areas not covered under Central Government Health Scheme or any corresponding Health Scheme administered by other Ministries/Departments and (ii) not availing OPD facility under CGHS. FMA is disbursed to the pensioners by the Pension Disbursing Authorities/Banks along with their monthly pension.
2. FMA is also admissible to retired National Pension System (NPS) employees who are granted pension under Old Pension Scheme on account of invalidation/disability and to the family members of deceased NPS employees, who are granted family pension as per the Old Pension Scheme on death of NPS employee during service. Grant of FMA in such cases is subject to fulfilment of the usual conditions therefor.
3. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued orders vide O.M. No S.11011/10/2012-CGHS(P)/EHS dated 28th March, 2017 extending the CGHS facility to Government servants who retire under NPS, if they fulfil the following conditions:
(i) Minimum years of qualifying service for eligibility of CGHS membership after retirement-10 years
(ii) No minimum qualifying
