The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India has issued an Office Memorandum (OM) on May 13, 2026, clarifying the rules for the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) regarding dependents. Central government employees are permitted to select either their parents or parents-in-law as dependents for medical benefits under CGHS and the Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules, 1944. This option is available only once, meaning if a male employee opts for parents, he cannot later choose parents-in-law, and vice versa. The clarification also includes details on CGHS contribution charges, which vary according to the employee's pay level, ranging from ₹250 for Levels 1-5 to ₹1,000 for Level 12 and above. Additionally, the definition of 'dependent' encompasses various family members, including parents, siblings, and children. Pensioners have specific options for availing CGHS services, depending on whether they reside in CGHS-covered areas or not, including the choice of a Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) or registering for CGHS services.