Central govt employees can choose either parents or in-laws as dependents for CGHS, CS(MA) benefits

The Ministry of Health and Welfare via its Office Memorandum dated May 13, 2026 clarified that central government employees under Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) and Central Services (Medical Attendance) or CS (MA) scheme now need to opt for either parents or parent-in-laws as dependent family members for availing health benefits.

The new ruling clarified that a male government employee shall be eligible to exercise a one-time option only for choosing either his parents or parents-in-law as dependent family members for the purpose of availing medical facilities under CGHS/CS(MA) Rules, 1944.

It added that once such option has been exercised in favour of parents, the employee shall not subsequently be permitted to opt for parents-in-law as dependents at a later stage, including in cases arising due to demise of parents or otherwise. Similarly, where option has once been exercised in favour of parents-in-law, the same shall not subsequently be changed in favour of parents.

The memorandum noted that while the facility of availing health benefits was earlier provided as part of CGHS, it was later extended to cover even beneficiaries under CS (MA) Rules, 1944, at par with CGHS beneficiaries.

On October 13, the Union Health Ministry announced a long-awaited revision of the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) rates, updating the prices for nearly 2,000 medical procedures, the first major overhaul in over a decade. The revised rates arewill be effective from October 13, 2025.

The previous order concerning the same was issued by the Ministry in July 2023 and it allowed both male and female Central Government employees to select between their parents or parents-in-law for availing CGHS benefits. The choice was subject to dependent and residence conditions.