While Central Government employees and pensioners are the primary beneficiaries of CGHS, the scheme extends healthcare coverage to eligible dependent family members as well. In recent years, the Government has made the rules more flexible, ensuring that not only spouses and children but also dependent parents and parents-in-law can receive medical benefits under CGHS, subject to eligibility conditions. This reflects the Government’s commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare support to the entire family, not just the employee. In a significant clarification for Central Government employees, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has reiterated the rules regarding the inclusion of parents or parents-in-law as dependent family members for availing medical facilities under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) and the Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules, 1944 [CS(MA) Rules].
The latest Office Memorandum (OM) dated 13 May 2026 clarifies that a male Government employee can exercise this choice only once and the option cannot be changed later under any circumstances.
This clarification is expected to remove confusion among thousands of CGHS and CS(MA) beneficiaries regarding dependency and eligibility of parents and parents-in-law for government medical benefits.
Background of the Policy
The policy has evolved through a series of government orders:
1987: Benefit Available Only to Female Employees
Under an Office Memorandum dated 3 March 1987, female Central Government employees were allowed to choose either:
- Their parents, or
- Their parents-in-law
for availing CGHS benefits, subject to dependency and residence conditions.
2023: Benefit Extended to Male Employees
In July 2023, the Directorate General of CGHS reviewed the matter and extended the same facility to male Central Government employees.
From that point onward, both male and female employees became eligible to include either parents or parents-in-law as dependent family members under CGHS, provided the prescribed dependency conditions were fulfilled.
2024: Extension to CS(MA) Beneficiaries
The Ministry further extended the same provision to employees covered under the Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules, 1944 through an Office Memorandum dated 28 March 2024.
As a result, employees covered under both CGHS and CS(MA) Rules received identical benefits regarding inclusion of parents or parents-in-law.
What Does the Latest 2026 Clarification Say?
The Ministry has now clarified that:
One-Time Choice Only
A male Central Government employee can choose either:
- Parents, or
- Parents-in-law
as dependent family members for medical benefits under CGHS or CS(MA) Rules.
However, this choice can be exercised only once.
No Change Allowed Later
Once an employee has opted for parents, he cannot subsequently switch to parents-in-law.
Similarly, if the employee has opted for parents-in-law, he cannot later include parents in their place.
Even in Special Circumstances
The Ministry has specifically clarified that the option cannot be changed even if:
- Parents pass away,
- Parents-in-law become dependent later,
- Family circumstances change,
- Any other similar situation arises.
The original option exercised by the employee remains final.
Eligibility Conditions Remain Applicable
The inclusion of parents or parents-in-law continues to be subject to:
- Dependency criteria prescribed under CGHS/CS(MA) Rules,
- Income limits prescribed by the Government,
- Residence conditions,
- Other eligibility requirements applicable under the respective scheme.
Employees must ensure that all prescribed conditions are satisfied before claiming benefits.
Why Is This Clarification Important?
Many government employees had sought clarification regarding whether they could switch their option after exercising it earlier.
Several queries had been received through:
- Public grievances,
- RTI applications,
- Official correspondence,
- Departmental references.
The latest OM removes ambiguity and establishes that the choice is final and irrevocable.
Impact on Central Government Employees
The clarification has practical implications for employees planning long-term healthcare support for family members.
Before exercising the option, employees should carefully evaluate:
Financial Dependency
Determine who is likely to remain financially dependent in the future.
Medical Requirements
Consider the health conditions and medical needs of both parents and parents-in-law.
Future Family Circumstances
Since the option cannot be altered later, employees should make an informed decision based on likely future requirements.
Key Highlights at a Glance
✔ Central Government employees can choose either parents or parents-in-law for medical benefits.
✔ Applicable under both CGHS and CS(MA) Rules, 1944.
✔ Dependency and eligibility conditions must be fulfilled.
✔ The option can be exercised only once.
✔ No change is permitted after exercising the option.
✔ The restriction applies even in cases of death of parents or other changes in circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a Central Government employee include both parents and parents-in-law under CGHS?
No. The employee must choose either parents or parents-in-law, subject to eligibility conditions.
Can the option be changed later?
No. The Ministry has clarified that the option is a one-time choice and cannot be modified subsequently.
Does this rule apply only to CGHS beneficiaries?
No. The same provision is applicable to beneficiaries covered under both CGHS and CS(MA) Rules, 1944.
What happens if parents die after the option is exercised?
Even in such cases, the employee cannot switch the option to parents-in-law later.
Are female employees covered by this provision?
Yes. Female employees have had this facility since 1987. The benefit was extended to male employees in 2023.
Conclusion
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has provided a definitive clarification regarding the inclusion of parents or parents-in-law as dependent family members under CGHS and CS(MA) Rules. While the policy offers flexibility in choosing either set of dependents, the decision is now clearly established as a one-time option that cannot be revised later.
Central Government employees should therefore exercise this choice carefully after considering long-term healthcare needs, dependency status, and future family circumstances.
PDF Copy of Govt Orders – DOWNLOAD