Extension of AB PM-JAY for CGHS & ECHS Pensioners Requested

The National Council (Staff Side) of the Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM) has reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the government to extend the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to retirees covered under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) and the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS).

In a letter signed by Shiva Gopal Mishra, Secretary of the National Council, the council expressed the need for expanded health coverage for senior citizens, particularly those aged 70 and above. The letter raised concerns over the current policy, which requires retirees to choose between their existing health coverage and AB PM-JAY.

Concerns Over Policy Gaps

The National Council welcomed the Union Cabinet’s decision to extend AB PM-JAY to senior citizens, regardless of their income, as a positive step. However, they voiced disappointment that beneficiaries of CGHS, ECHS, and Ayushman CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) were excluded from this scheme.

As it stands, senior citizens already benefiting from public schemes like CGHS and ECHS must make a difficult choice: either continue with their current coverage or opt into the new AB PM-JAY scheme. Mishra pointed out that many retired central government employees have contributed substantial sums for lifelong CGHS benefits and should not be forced into this either/or decision.

Highlighting CGHS Contributions

The letter emphasized the significant one-time contributions that retirees make under the CGHS, based on the 7th Central Pay Commission’s Pay Matrix. These are not small amounts:

₹30,000 for Pay Levels 1-5
₹54,000 for Pay Level 6
₹78,000 for Pay Levels 7-11
₹1,20,000 for Pay Level 12 and above

Given these considerable payments, the council argued that retirees deserve to keep their CGHS coverage while also being able to access AB PM-JAY, particularly since the latter is specifically designed for senior citizens.

A Call for Action

In its appeal, the National Council urged the government to allow CGHS and ECHS beneficiaries to access AB PM-JAY without having to forfeit their existing coverage. The letter highlighted that AB PM-JAY was intended to provide additional health security to those over 70, making it vital for retirees who have already invested heavily in their healthcare.

The Council has also requested a formal meeting with the Staff Side of the National Council JCM to discuss the issue further, in the hope of reaching a solution that benefits all parties.

Key Recipients of the Letter

In addition to the Prime Minister, copies of the letter were sent to top government officials, including:

The Cabinet Secretary, Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi
The Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi
The Secretary (Personnel), Department of Personnel & Training, North Block, New Delhi

Looking Ahead

The National Council remains optimistic that the government will respond positively to their request. Their proposal, if accepted, would provide much-needed relief to retired central government employees, allowing them to benefit from both CGHS and AB PM-JAY, and ensuring better healthcare coverage as they age.