Archive · 4 Nov 2025
CGHS Families Eligible for Ayushman Bharat Coverage Up to Rs 10 Lakh
Imagine you have two special health cards, one called CGHS and another called Ayushman Bharat.
The government is now letting people who have the CGHS card use the Ayushman Bharat card too, which can give them up to 10 lakh rupees for medical help each year, especially if they are older.
However, there's a rule: you can only use one card at a time, not both.
If you decide to use the Ayushman Bharat card, you have to give up your CGHS card forever.
It's like choosing one playground to play in; once you pick one, you can't switch back.
This is to help families with big medical bills and make sure everyone can get good doctors and hospitals.
CGHS beneficiaries are now eligible for Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) coverage.
Eligible families can receive up to Rs 5 lakh annually, with an additional Rs 5 lakh for members aged 70 and above.
Beneficiaries must choose between CGHS or Ayushman Bharat benefits; simultaneous use of both schemes is not permitted.
The decision to opt for Ayushman Bharat and surrender CGHS is a one-time, irreversible choice.
The government aims to provide financial protection and enhance access to quality healthcare through this expansion.
- Who
- Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) beneficiaries, including government pensioners and their dependents.
- What
- CGHS beneficiaries are now eligible for Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) coverage, offering up to Rs 10 lakh in annual health benefits, but they must choose between CGHS and Ayushman benefits, not both. The decision is permanent.
- When
- The expansion of PM-JAY has been gradual, with a significant inclusion of 6 crore senior citizens (70+) in October 2024.
- Where
- Across India, at empanelled public and private hospitals.
- Why
- To offer financial protection against catastrophic medical costs and boost access to quality healthcare.
- Ayushman Bharat Coverage
- Up to Rs 10 lakh annually for CGHS families, with Rs 5 lakh standard and an additional Rs 5 lakh for members aged 70+
- Key Condition
- CGHS beneficiaries must choose either CGHS or Ayushman Bharat benefits, not both.
- Reversibility
- The decision to opt for Ayushman Bharat and surrender CGHS is one-time and irreversible.
- Eligible Categories
- Government pensioners, dependents, vulnerable families, ASHAs, Anganwadi staff, and senior citizens above 70
- Scheme Goals
- Financial protection against catastrophic medical costs and improved access to quality healthcare
- Current Ayushman Cards Issued
- Over 42 crore