A major update has come for central government employees and pensioners.
The biggest changes in the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) in 15 years have come into effect today — Monday, October 13, 2025.
New rates have been introduced for nearly 2,000 medical packages, making cashless treatment at private hospitals much easier for CGHS cardholders.
Why Were the Changes Needed?
For years, many CGHS-empanelled hospitals were reluctant to provide cashless treatment due to outdated package rates and delayed government payments.
As a result, employees and pensioners often had to pay medical bills themselves and then wait months for reimbursement.
In August 2025, the Central Government Employees Union (GENC) urged the government to make urgent reforms.
In several cases, even emergency treatment was delayed, causing major inconvenience to patients.
New CGHS Package Rates
The new structure will determine rates based on the city and type of hospital:
Tier-II cities: 19% lower than the base rate
Tier-III cities: 20% lower than the base rate
NABH-accredited hospitals: Base rate applicable
Non-NABH hospitals: 15% less than the base rate
Super-speciality hospitals (200+ beds): 15% higher than the base rate
These new rates are expected to encourage hospitals to accept CGHS patients more readily and make cashless services smoother.
Benefits for Employees and Hospitals
With updated rates, hospitals will face fewer losses and will be more willing to offer cashless treatments.
Employees and pensioners will avoid large out-of-pocket expenses and receive faster refunds, restoring confidence among CGHS users.
The Health Ministry revised these rules on September 16, 2025, also expanding coverage — now transgender children and siblings can avail CGHS facilities if they are financially dependent and certified under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
Key Improvements in the Past Year
Enhanced CGHS online portal and mobile app
Cashless treatment now available at more hospitals
Several new private hospitals joined the CGHS network
Online referral system introduced for quick approvals
Real-time medicine tracking launched
Special helpdesks started for senior citizens
Who Can Avail CGHS Benefits
The scheme covers:
All Central Government employees (except those under the Railways and Delhi Administration) and their families
Central Government pensioners (except those from Railways and Armed Forces)
Eligibility depends on residing in a CGHS-covered city. Currently, the scheme is active in 80 cities across India.
How to Get a CGHS Card
Employees: Submit the prescribed form along with family photographs to your department.
Pensioners: Apply at the Additional Director’s office in your city or download the form from cghs.gov.in
