Medicare sops for retd Govt employees

From now onwards, all retired Bihar Government employees can receive medical treatment at the best of health centres in the country at State’s cost.

As per the social security scheme approved by the State Cabinet, former employees are simply required to admit themselves in any CGHS approved hospital in the country for treatment of their ailments—from renal transplant to coronary bypass surgery. And, they need not worry about the cost, as the Government would reimburse the entire amount charged by the health centre.

The employees will have the option to get the reimbursement either from the department they had served at the State headquarters or from the last place of posting before retirement.

Urban Development Secretary Deepak Kumar, who also holds the charge of Health Department, said the uniqueness of the scheme was that it did not discriminate between a former peon and a retired secretary-rank official. “All retired Government employees will be treated on an equal footing,” he added.

For identification at the designated hospitals, the retired employees will be required to produce health cards duly issued by the director-in-chief, health services.

According to the scheme, the issuing authority will give health cards to the retired employees on receipt of a nominal charge.

Those who are getting a monthly pension up to Rs 3,000 are required to pay Rs 15 per month for membership charge.

For those who are getting Rs 15,000 and above will pay Rs 150 per month for the health card.

The employees will have the option to pay the membership fee on a monthly or on a onetime basis.

The retired employees will also have to give an undertaking that they would not avail any other health allowances payable to them now.

The scheme underlined that the facilities will be available only to former employees and their spouses. Dependents will not be entitled to the medical benefits.