Grant of Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) to Pensioners/Family Pensioners covered
under National Pension System

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Key Points of the order

  • Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA):

    • Granted to Central Government civil pensioners/family pensioners residing in areas not covered by Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) or equivalent health schemes of other Ministries/Departments.
    • Not applicable to those already availing OPD facility under CGHS.
    •  Disbursement:
    • FMA is disbursed to pensioners by Pension Disbursing Authorities/Banks along with their monthly pension.
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  • Eligibility for Retired National Pension System (NPS) Employees:

    • Retired NPS employees granted pension under the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) due to invalidation/disability are eligible.
    • Family members of deceased NPS employees granted family pension under OPS are also eligible.
    • Grant of FMA in these cases is subject to fulfilling usual conditions.
    •  

  • Conditions for CGHS Facility for NPS Retirees:

    • Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued orders extending CGHS facility to government servants retiring under NPS if they meet specific conditions.
    • Conditions include a minimum of 10 years of qualifying service for CGHS membership after retirement.
    • No minimum qualifying years for availing CGHS in case of death/disability.
    • Availability of CGHS after absorption in an autonomous body/statutory body is subject to specific conditions.
    • Deputation to such bodies may affect CGHS coverage unless the receiving entity is covered by CGHS.
    • States must maintain conditions for serving NPS subscribers, following the specified conditions.
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  • Other Conditions:

    • Conditions such as the definition of family, CGHS contribution, and dependency criteria will apply as per existing rules.
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    • Consideration for FMA Grant to NPS Retirees:

      • The matter of granting Fired Medical Allowance (FMA) to employees retiring from the National Pension System (NPS) has been considered.
      • Consultation has taken place with the Department of Expenditure, Office of Controller General of Accounts (CGA), and Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
      •  

    • Decision for Eligibility:

      • It has been decided that retired NPS employees, who otherwise meet the conditions for availing CGHS facility (mentioned in para 3), are eligible for FMA.
      • Eligibility for FMA is based on the same rates as pensioners drawing pension under the Old Pension Scheme.
      • This applies to NPS retirees residing outside CGHS area and not availing OPD facility under CGHS after retirement.
      •  

    • Entitlement for NPS Retirees:

      • NPS retirees eligible for CGHS but residing outside CGHS area are entitled to FMA at the applicable rate.
      • If they do not avail any CGHS facility or only avail the OPD facility under CGHS, they are entitled to FMA.

      

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