7th Pay Commission: New Year Bonanza for Pensioners! Government Announces Fixed Medical Allowance.

Good news for lakhs of pensioners and family pensioners in India! on 7th Pay Commission. The Central Government has announced a special New Year gift by introducing a Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) to help pensioners meet their daily medical expenses. This allowance will benefit pensioners living in areas not covered by the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) or any other health scheme.

Key Points:

• The FMA will be provided to pensioners and family pensioners who have retired under the National Pension System (NPS).
• The allowance will be disbursed along with the monthly pension.
• Pensioners who have completed 10 years of service under NPS are eligible for the FMA.
• In case of death or disability due to an accident, the years of service requirement will be waived.
• Pensioners receiving the FMA must submit a digital or physical life certificate every year in November.
• The medical allowance will be disbursed from January onwards, after the submission of the life certificate in November.
• In the event of the death of a pensioner or family pensioner, the family members must inform the bank or pension office and submit the death certificate.

Allowance Details:

• The Central Government had previously increased the FMA for family pensioners from Rs. 100 to Rs. 300 in May 2014.
• Defense Department pensioners received an FMA of Rs. 500, which was later increased to Rs. 1000 in August 2017.

Payment Schedule:

• Banks will disburse the allowance in three-month intervals.
• The allowance for December to February will be paid in the first week of March.
• The allowance for March to May will be paid in June.
• The allowance for June to August will be paid in September.
• The allowance for September to November will be paid in the first week of December.

What is Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA)?

The FMA is a financial assistance provided to pensioners residing in areas where CGHS facilities are not available. This initiative aims to assist pensioners in managing their day-to-day medical expenses related to treatments that do not necessitate hospitalization.

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Conclusion:

The introduction of the Fixed Medical Allowance by the Central Government is a welcome move that will provide much-needed financial support to pensioners for their healthcare needs. This allowance will help them lead healthier and more fulfilling lives during their retirement years.