FREQUENTY ASKED QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS ABOUT CGHS

1. Who are entitled for CGHS facilities

1. All Central Govt. employees and their dependant family members residing in CGHS covered areas.
2. Central Govt Pensioners and their eligible family members getting pension from Central Civil Estimates
3. Sitting and Ex-Members of Parliament
4. Ex-Governors & Lt. Governors
5. Freedom Fighters
6. Ex-Vice Presidents
7. Sitting and Ex-Judges of Supreme Court & High Courts
8. Employees and pensioners of certain autonomous organizations in Delhi
9. Journalists (in Delhi )Accredited with PIB ( for OPD & at RML Hospital)
10. Delhi Police Personnel posted in Delhi
11. Railway Board employees

2. In how many cities CGHS is presently operative?

CGHS facilities are available in more than 25 cities in India

1. Ahmadabad
2. Allahabad
3. Bengaluru
4. Bhopal
5. Bhubaneshwar
6. Chandigarh
7. Chennai
8. Dehradun
9. Delhi & NCR
10. Guwahati
11. Hyderabad
12. Indore
13. Jabalpur
14. Jaipur
15. Jammu
16. Kanpur
17. Kolkata
18. Lucknow
19. Meerut
20. Mumbai
21. Nagpur
22. Patna
23. Pune
24. Ranchi
25. Shillong
26. Shimla
27. Thiruvanathapuram
28. Visakhapatnam

3. For CGHS cards , as dependant , what is the meaning of the word “ family”

The term ‘family’ means and includes:-

1. Husband or wife as the case may be and other dependant family members.
2. Dependant Family Members: parents, sisters, widowed sisters, widowed daughters, minor brothers and minor sister, children and step-children wholly dependent upon the government Servant and are normally residing with the Government Servant. Also now included , dependent divorced / separated daughters ( including their dependant minor children) and step-mother.
3. The term dependency means that income from all sources including pensions and pension equivalent of DCRG benefit is less than Rs.3500/- plus amount of DA on Basic pension of Rs3500/-per month. However, there is no such clause as dependency in respect of spouse.

4. What is the procedure to register with the CGHS?

Pensioners:

1. One can get a CGHS card made from the office of AD / JD of the City.
2. Forms can be downloaded from CGHS Website or can be taken from office of AD / JD of city.
3. Documents required
4. Application in prescribed format
5. Proof of Residence /proof of Stay of dependents
6. Proof of age of son
7. Disability certificate, if any in case of sons aged 25 & above, who would otherwise cease to be a beneficiary.
8. Photos of eligible family members
9. Surrender Certificate of CGHS Card while in service ( only in those cases where CGHS Card was issued while in service)
10. Attested copies of PPO & Last Pay Certificate
11. Draft for required amount towards CGHS contribution – in the name of ‘P.A.O., CGHS New Delhi’ in Delhi-and in the name of ‘AD, CGHS of the city’.
12. In case PPO is not ready for any reason there is option to get a provisional card on the basis of Last Pay Certificate.
13. The data is entered through computers and entered in data base and a print out is issued same day for immediate use. Plastic cards are subsequently sent to the residence of the card holder by post.

Serving employees:

Serving employees submit the forms in prescribed format enclosing photos of eligible family members and submit to the Ministry / there is provision for issue of authority form by CMO i/c for collection of medicines, for a few days like 3-5 days, directly from authorized local chemists.

5.            Are CGHS facilities free of cost?

For serving employees residing in CGHS covered area obtaining CGHS card is compulsory Deduction from salary is made by the department, every month, depending upon their pay

6.            What is the system for the services of specialists in Dispensaries?

Prior registration is required appointment with the CGHS Wellness Centre, where specialist services are available. However, In case of emergency contact CMO i/c of dispensary of Wellness Centre for consulting specialist without prior appointment.

7.            Is there any interactive mechanism at dispensary level?

At the Wellness Centre ‘Local Advisory Committees’ are formed. CMO i/c holds a meeting with Local Advisory Committee members to discuss local dispensary related issues.

8.            How long does it take to get the CGHS Cards?

Normally computerized printout of index card is issued on the same day. Plastic cards are sent to the residence in ‘3 ‘ weeks time.

9.            Whom Should I approach in case the CGHS Card is not issued to me in the prescribed time?

Contact Joint Director (HQ), CGHS, CGHS building Puram Sector-12, New Delhi in case of Delhi and Addl. Director of City in case of other cities.

10.         What should 1 do if 1 lose my CGHS Cards ?

Application is to be submitted to AD/JD along with two photographs and a IPO for Rs. 50/- for issue of duplicate card.

Indian Postal Order payable to ” P.A.O. CGHS”.

11.         What should I do if the details on the Card viz. name, date of birth, entitlement, etc. are wrong?

Kindly bring the anomalies to the notice of Joint Director, CGHS (HQ), and CGHS building, RK Puram Sector-12, New Delhi in Delhi and to the Addl. Director, Joint Director of concerned CGHS City in other cities.

12.         Is there a colour scheme for plastic cards? What are the details?

CGHS Plastic cards have the following colour at the top:

1. Serving Government employees                                 Blue
2. Pensioners, ex-MPs , Freedom Fighters, etc.,         Green
3. Member of Parliament                                                    Red
4. Beneficiaries of Autonomous Bodies / Journalist Yellow

13.         I retired in 1998 from Central Govt. but, I never made a CGHS card. Can I get a card now?

Pensioners can apply for CGHS card with relevant documents. However, the subscriptions as applicable at current rates shall have to be paid.

14.         My husband/wife is also employed under Central Government and is eligible for a separate CGHS Card. Is it necessary that separate cards are to be obtained?

No. Spouse drawing higher pay shall make the card and other spouse is eligible to avail CGHS benefits as member.

15.         My husband / wife retired in 2002. He /she was paying CGHS subscription every year. After his death can I get Card on my name. Do have I to pay extra. Shall I get Life Time Valid card

Yes, the ownership of card can be transferred in the name of spouse on submission of required documents. Addl. Director of concerned city shall transfer the ownership of Card in the computer Data base and same CGHS plastic cards with same Beneficiary ID can be used

1. No extra payment to be made, in case of life time cards.
2. However in other cases one has to pay 10 years subscription for life time card For example, if the spouse had contributed for seven years before he expired , balance payment for the remaining three years is to be paid for a life time card.
3. Documents required  Application in prescribed format

Proof of Family Pension with its break up from Bank

1. Prescribed contribution if, card is not for life time

16.         How to transfer CGHS card from one WC to other in the same city?

If there is any change in residential address , CMO i/c may be approached with proof of residence for transferring the data from one Wellness Centre to another in the same city.

CMO i/c of the new Wellness Centre will accept the data of transferred card.

In respect of serving employees the request is to be forwarded by his/her office / department.

17.         I am CGHS beneficiary at Kanpur. Visiting Mumbai for 6 months. Can I get CGHS facilities at Mumbai. Can same card of Kanpur continue or a separate card to be made. From where to get permission for the same?

Subsequent to computerization no separate permission is required and CGHS card is valid for availing facilities from any CGHS Wellness Centre in India. For any assistance , Addl. Director of the city may be contacted.

18.         I have been advised some investigations by Specialist of Govt. Hospital. What is the procedure to obtain the permission?

No separate permission letter is required. Once a Government specialist / medical officer of a CGHS Wellness Centre advises a test listed investigations can be undertaken from any of the CGHS empanelled laboratories on the basis of the advice given by Govt. Specialist / Medical Officer of CGHS Wellness Centre. Original or self attested photo copy of prescription is to be submitted along with a copy of CGHS card.

19.         Who is competent to delete name of sons who have crossed age of 25 years?

CMO i/c of Wellness Centre is competent to delete the name of son aged 25 yrs and above. Computer system does not allow sons aged 25 and above to avail medical facilities.

20.         After retirement in 2007. I got a Life time Pensioner CGHS card made in Delhi. Now I am shifting to Dehradoon. Can I use the same card. Do I pay again?

Pensioners shifting from one CGHS covered city to another, will have to apply to the Addl. Director of concerned city for transfer of card. The card shall be transferred online and a receipt will be issued to the beneficiary , on the basis of which , Addl. Director of new city ( say Dehradun) shall receive the data. Same Plastic cards and same Ben ID will be valid. No contribution is required to be paid in respect of pensioner beneficiaries holding life time cards.

21.         I live in Gurgaon but my office is in Saket. Can I avail facilities from both the places because it is convenient for me.

Yes. Subsequent to computerization CGHS facilities can be availed from any Wellness Centre in India.

22.         Is there any age limit for sons / daughters as dependant in CGHS Card ?

1. Son is eligible till he starts earning or attains the age of 25 years or gets married whichever is earlier.
   1. However, in case the son is suffering from any permanent disability of any kind (physical or mental) he is eligible for CGHS benefits even after 25yrs .
   1. Disability means blindness, low vision, leprosy-cured, hearing impairment, locomotor disability, mental retardation, mental illness. A disability certificate from Medical Board is required.
   1. Daughter is eligible till she starts earning, or gets married, whichever is earlier (irrespective of age)

23.         Are step-children allowed CGHS facilities?

Yes. If they are dependent on card holder: other conditions as in case of dependant sons and daughters.

24.         Can dependent in-laws be included under family members for CGHS facilities?

A lady Government servant will be given a choice to include either her parents or parents —in-law for the purpose of availing the benefits under CGHS subject to the condition of dependence and residence, etc., being satisfied.

Such option is not available for male Government servants

25.         Me and my wife are both central Govt. employees and have dependant brothers / sisters and parents. Can we make separate cards and include family members?

Yes. Both Government employees have the option to make CGHS Contribution and obtain Two separate CGHS cards and the names of the eligible dependant family members can be included on their respective cards.

Your wife can include the names of her parents brothers sisters and such other eligible dependents in her card, subject to the condition of dependence and residence, etc., being satisfied.

26.         Can the CMO or the pharmacist give a different brand than the one prescribed by the specialist?

CGHS shall supply I indent only those medicines, which are included in the CGHS formulary (PI ref to reply to Q 29).

27.         What is the procedure for getting lifesaving drugs? In Delhi- through CGHS Medical Store Depot, Gole Market

The documents required are:-

1. Prescription of specialist of Govt. Hospital or CGHS approved private Hospital.
2. Photocopy of his/ her token card plastic card.
3. Copy of permission if his prescription is from CGHS approved private Hospital.
4. Utilization certificate in original during subsequent visit
5. Indent is placed online through CGHS Wellness centre.

In other cities request is to be submitted to the Addl. Director of City.

28.         What are the guidelines for Anti-Cancer and related medicines?

Anti-Cancer and other similar medicines, are supplied on a case to case basis..

29.         What are the guidelines for issue of medicines?

1. CGHS shall supply medicines as per the available brand name / generic name.
2. In case medicines advised by a Specialist are not available they shall be indented by the same brand name though Authorized Local Chemist.
3. Anti-Cancer and other similar medicines are however supplied on a case to case basis.
4. Medicines for treatment of Chronic illnesses shall be supplied for a maximum period of three months.
5. In case of CGHS beneficiaries going abroad, issue of medicines shall be restricted for a maximum period of six months.

30.         What should I do if the Wellness Centrel Dispensary does not give all the medicines?

Contact CMO ilc of the concerned Wellness Centre or Add!. Director, CGHS of concerned city or Director, CGHS.

31.         How long does it take to get the medicines?

Medicines available in the dispensary are issued immediately. If any medicine is not available and is to be indented through Authorized Local Chemist the same are issued on the next day.

32.         Are the prescription of specialists of empanelled hospitals binding on the dispensary?

Medicines are issued on the basis of prescriptions of government doctors. However, in permitted cases medicines are issued on the basis of prescriptions of empanelled hospitals. CGHS shall supply medicines, as per the available brand / generic name. (pli ref to reply under Q 29 above for details).

33.         What is the maximum period for which medicines can be given in one go ?

1. Medicines upto three month are issued in one go , provided there is a valid prescription.
2. In case of a beneficiary visiting a foreign country, medicines up to ‘6’ months are issued, based on valid prescription and documentary support of visit to a foreign country.

Beneficiary is required to submit an application for obtaining permission from ADIJD along with the following documents:-

1. Copy of valid CGHS cardl token card.
2. Valid prescription for six months counter signed by HOD of Specialty of Govt. Hospital.
3. Proof of station leaving like ticket, Visa etc.

34.         If some medicines like antibiotics are urgently required and are not available at CGHS Wellness Centre what can be done?

In case some medicines are not available and are urgently required for treatment, there is provision for issue of authority form by CMO i/c for collection of medicines, for a few days like 3-5 days, directly from authorized local chemists .

35. How to get a drug if same is not available in WC & also not supplied by Chemist(ALC)?

Beneficiary, after authorization by CMO i/c can purchase such drugs from open market & claim reimbursement from ALC.

36. What should beneficiary do, if he/ she notice some deterioration in the quality of drugs?

He /she should return the medicine to WC & get replacement. Samples can be sent for testing through CMOI/C.

37. My father is a cancer patient and after operation is bed ridden. Doctors have advised Protein powder. Can I get from CGHS?

Dietary supplements are not permissible under CGHS

38. Is Penfil Injection provided under CGHS

Insulin pen is not supplied under CGHS. But, Insulin pen cartridges are supplied under CGHS

39. Does CGHS provide for reimbursement for treatment taken abroad during a visit under emergency?

There is no provision under CGHGS for reimbursement of expenditure during a visit abroad. It is the responsibility of the individual to make arrangements for medical care while on a visit to a foreign country. However, in case of beneficiaries undergoing treatment for pre-existing chronic diseases, to ensure continuity in treatment medicines are issued for up to ‘6’ months based on valid prescription and documentary support of visit to a foreign country.

Beneficiary is required to submit an application for obtaining permission from AD/JD along with the following documents:-

1. Copy of valid CGHS card/ token card.
2. Valid prescription for six months counter signed by HOD of
3. Specialty of Govt. Hospital.
4. Proof of station leaving like ticket, Visa etc.
5. Receipts in original
6. Copy of the valid CGHS Card
7. Copies of other documents issued by hospital

MRC forms are available with CMO I/c and can also be downloaded from CGHS Website http://msotransparent.nic.in/cghsnew/index.asp

Serving employee in similar cases shall submit the medical claim to his department.

52. My original papers having bills, Receipts of hospital treatment are lost. Can I claim on duplicate papers?

Yes. With affidavits on Stamp paper. Details of Draft for Affidavit may be seen in the instructions sheet appended to Medical Claim Form available at http://msotransparent.nic.in/cghsnew/index.asp and CMO i/c.

53. My husband/wife was a CGHS card holder. He/She was sick and died while in hospital. How do I get MRC?

Apply to CMO I/c of WC with :

1. MRC forms duly filled in as per Check list
   1. Copy of Death summary
   1. Hospital bills with break-up
   1. Vouchers in original
   1. Copy of the valid CGHS Card
   1. Death Certificate
   1. Affidavit on Stamp paper of yourself being Legal Heir and NOC from other legal heirs in favour of claimant
   1. Copies of other documents issued by hospital

Draft for affidavit may be seen in the instructions sheet appended to the Medical

Claim Form available at CGHS Web site at

http://msotransparent.nic.in/cghsnew/index.asp

54. I retired in Dec 2011. Due to certain reasons I had to go to my native place in Uttranchal and could not make pensioner’s CGHS card. In May 2012 I came to Delhi and had Heart attack. In emergency I was treated in pvt hospital. I got CGHS Card made after discharge but I have been refused reimbursement of the expenditure incurred.

After retirement three months grace period is given to get CGHS card made. The treatment taken and expenditure incurred thereon within the grace period of three months from the date of retirement will be allowed and expenditure reimbursable subject to the condition that the beneficiary has either obtained or limited to CGHS rates or actual, whichever may be lower. Since, non-empanelled private hospitals often charge at rates different from the CGHS rates there will be difference in the amount reimbursed if the private hospital charges are higher than CGHS rates.

60. I want to get my Cataract Surgery done at Pvt empanelled hospital? How can I get it done

Beneficiaries are required to obtain advice from a Govt. Specialist I CMO i/C for Cataract surgery. Pensioners can apply to CMO l/c of WC for permission to obtain the treatment at one ofthe empanelled hospitals of his Iher choice. Serving employees to apply to his I her Department I office.

61. Is it necessary that the Govt specialist should write ‘referred to CGHS empanelled Hospital’ for obtaining permission?

Advice of Government specialist is required only for the specific treatment procedure I investigation to be undertaken. There is no need to specifically refer to any empanelled hospital! diagnostic lab. It is the choice of beneficiary to under treatment I investigations at any of the empanelled hospitals I diagnostic laboratories after obtaining permission from competent authority.

62. CMO Incharge does not refer me to Pvt. Hospitals on my request?

As per CGHS guidelines there is no provision for OPO referrals to private empanelled hospitals except in satellite towns of NCR

63. I am an accredited journalist with CGHS Card Can I seek treatment in Pvt. empanelled Hospitals in emergency and get credit facility?

No. Journalists are entitled only for OPO treatment from dispensaries and treatment from Dr.RML Hospital. Journalists are not entitled for reimbursementfor treatment from empanelled hospitals.

64. What are the facilities available to me if I am a pensioner in a non- CGHS area?

1. Pensioner residing in non- CGHS covered areas have the option to become CGHS beneficiary and avail CGHS facilities from the nearest CGHS covered city.
   1. Pensioners residing in non-CGHS areas have also the option to avail Fixed Medical Allowance of Rs5001- per month and opt not to avail CGHS facility.
   1. Pensioners residing in non-CGHS areas have also the option to avail Fixed Medical Allowance of Rs500/- per month for OPO treatment and obtain CGHS card from nearest CGHS covered city for inpatient facilities under CGHS. No OPD medicines shall be issued in such cases.
   1. CGHS pensioner beneficiaries (and their dependant and eligible family members) who are holding a valid CGHS Card and residing in a non-CGHS area shall be eligible to obtain inpatient medical treatment and also follow up treatment from Govt. Hospitals I CS(MA) IECHS approved hospitals on proper referral from CGHS dispensary and submit the medical reimbursement claim to the Add!. Directorl Joint Director of CGHS of city where the CGHS card is registered.
2. In case of medical emergency, treatment may be obtained from any hospital and medical claim shall be submitted to AD/JD , CGHS of the concerned city.
3. Reimbursement shall be limited to the CGHS rates of the city where the card is registered and as per the ceiling rates and ward entitlements or as per actuals, whichever may be less.

65. I am a serving employee residing in a place close to a city covered under CGHS. Can I get CGHS card issued from the nearest CGHS city?

There is no provision to avail CGHS facilities in respect of serving government employees residing in non-CGHS covered areas. They are covered under CS(MA) Rules 1944.

66. I have retired from Delhi. Now I want to settle in a city where no CGHS facility is available. How to cover my family for medical care?

Pensioners are eligible for CGHS facilities and can obtain CGHS card from the nearest CGHS covered city.

67. Can general public-avail treatment at CGHS Wellness Centres?

FREE CONSULTATION IS EXTENDED TO SENIOR CITIZENS (AGED 60 VI’s. AND AROVE)of GENERAL PUBLIC AT 26 CGHS WELLNESS CENTRES UNDER CGHS DELHI FROM 1.00 P.M. TO 2.00 P.M” W.E.F. 1.09.2014 ON PILOT BASIS