CGHS : Big news 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 released for nearly 2,000 medical packages. This will make cashless treatment at private hospitals easier than ever for CGHS cardholders.
Why were changes necessary?
For a long time, many hospitals under the CGHS were hesitant to offer cashless treatment. The reason was outdated package rates and delayed payments. This forced employees and pensioners to bear the cost of treatment themselves and wait months for refunds. In August 2025, the Central Government Employees Union (GENC) demanded reforms from the government on this issue. In many cases, even emergency treatment was not provided on time.
New CGHS Rates
Now, rates for around 2,000 medical procedures will be determined based on the city and hospital category:
- Rates in Tier-II cities will be 19% lower than the base rate.
- Rates will be 20% lower in Tier-III cities.
- Base rate will be applicable in NABH-accredited hospital.
- Rates in non-NABH hospitals will be 15% less than the base rate.
- In super-speciality hospitals (200+ beds), the rates will be 15% higher than the base rate.
Employee and hospital benefits
These new rates will make it easier for hospitals to provide cashless treatment. Employees will not have to bear large expenses directly. Refunds will be received quickly, and CGHS cardholders will gain confidence.
The Health Ministry updated the rules on September 16, 2025. Now, transgender children and siblings can also avail CGHS benefits if they are financially dependent and certified under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
Improvements in the past year
- CGHS online portal and mobile app improved.
- Cashless treatment became available in more hospitals.
- New private hospitals joined CGHS.
- The online referral system will make approval quick and easy.
- Real time tracking of medicines started.
- Special helpdesks were created for senior citizens.
Who is eligible
- All Central Government employees (except Railways and Delhi Administration) and their families.
- Central Pensioners (except Railways and Armed Forces).
- Eligibility depends on living in CGHS-covered cities. The scheme is currently available in 80 cities.
How to get CGHS card
Employees should submit the prescribed form and family photo to their department. Pensioners can apply at the city’s Additional Director’s office or download the form from the CGHS website, cghs.gov.in. If a PPO is not available, a provisional card will be issued based on the Last Pay Certificate.
How to see the new rates and codes
Download the PDF from the notification section of the CGHS website. This will contain all the procedure codes and new package rates.
