The Central Government has given a big gift to lakhs of pensioners and family pensioners on the New Year. It has been announced to give Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) to these pensioners for treatment. This will help pensioners in meeting their daily medical expenses.
7th Pay Commission: The Central Government has given a big gift to lakhs of pensioners and family pensioners on the New Year. It has been announced to give Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) to these pensioners for treatment. This will help pensioners in meeting their daily medical expenses. This allowance will be available to pensioners living in places which are not covered under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) nor any other health scheme. Allowance will be given along with pension only.
According to the order of Ravinder Kumar, Director of Personnel Department of the Central Government, FMA will be given to retired employees under the National Pension System (NPS). The bank or pension department will give fixed medical allowance along with the pension.
How much allowance do you get?
In May 2014, the Central Government had increased the Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) of family pensioners from Rs 100 to Rs 300. Whereas Defense Department pensioners used to get FMA of Rs 500, which was increased to Rs 1000 in August 2017.
What condition did the government impose?
- The retired employee must have worked for 10 years under NPS.
- If death or accident results in disability, years of service will not be considered.
- Pensioners who are getting FMA will give digital or physical life certificate every year in November.
- Medical allowance will start being received from January after the pensioner submits the life certificate in November.
- If the pensioner or family pensioner dies, the family members will inform the bank or pension office along with the death certificate.
How will the bank make payment?
- Banks will give three months’ allowance in the first week of March. This allowance will be from December to February.
- Medical allowance from March to May will be paid in June.
- Whereas the allowance from June to August will be paid in September.
- Payment of allowance from September to November will be made in the first week of December.
What is fixed medical allowance?
Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) is available to those pensioners who live outside the area covered by the Central Government Health Service Scheme. That means there are no hospitals or nursing homes under CGHS service.
Why does the government give this allowance?
The Central Government gives fixed medical allowance to its employees after retirement for daily treatment. In this, those diseases can be treated which do not require admission. That’s why the government gives this allowance.
