With the Modi government extending the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) benefits also to the senior citizens aged 70 and above, there is a proposal now to offer the flagship scheme as an additional option to beneficiaries of the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) and the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS).
The recent announcement on PM-JAY specified that senior citizens who are currently benefiting from other public health insurance schemes, such as CGHS and ECHS, will have to choose between their existing benefits or the new AB PM-JAY. However, seniors with private health insurance or those under the Employees’ State Insurance Scheme (ESIS) will be eligible for the AB PM-JAY benefits.
In a significant development, Shiva Gopal Mishra, Secretary of the National Council (Staff Side) Joint Consultative Machinery for Central Government Employees, has formally written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the extension of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to beneficiaries of the CGHS and the ECHS. This appeal comes in light of recent decisions by the Union Cabinet regarding health coverage for senior citizens.
Recently, the Union Cabinet expanded the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana to cover all senior citizens aged 70 and above. This move will benefit approximately 6 crore seniors, providing a distinct card and additional coverage options for existing beneficiaries, according to a PIB release.
The recent cabinet decision introduced the AB PM-JAY scheme to provide health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of income. According to the government’s press release, these senior citizens will be eligible for the benefits of the AB PM-JAY scheme.
Financial implications for retiring employees:
Mishra’s letter emphasizes the financial burden faced by retiring employees, who are required to make a significant one-time contribution to avail themselves of CGHS benefits post-retirement. The contribution amounts are as follows based on the 7th CPC Pay Matrix:
Level 1 to 5: Rs 30,000
Level 7 to 11: Rs 78,000
Level 12 and above: Rs 1,20,000
Given these hefty contributions, Mishra argues that it is unfair to compel senior citizens to choose between the CGHS and AB PM-JAY, especially when AB PM-JAY was specifically designed to assist seniors, irrespective of their financial circumstances.
Call for reconsideration and meeting:
In light of these points, the letter requests the Government of India to reconsider its decision. Instead of requiring a choice between schemes, he advocates for the inclusion of AB PM-JAY as an additional benefit for CGHS and ECHS beneficiaries. He emphasizes that this change would greatly benefit central government pensioners, many of whom are struggling with healthcare costs.
Mishra has also requested a meeting with the Staff Side of the National Council JCM to discuss the matter further and arrive at a favorable resolution for the senior citizens who are part of CGHS and ECHS.