ECHS UP DATES

ECHS UP DATES

 

ADVISE TO PRE-2003 PENSIONERS ABOUT JOINING ECHS.

1.      A large number of pre-2003 pensioners who had the option to choose between joining ECHS or drawing a Fixed Medical Allowance per month opted for Fixed Medical Allowance.  Many of them now feel that it was a wrong decision and want to join ECHS.  However, they are not clear about the rates and the procedure of joining ECHS.  Firstly, medical expenses are bound to increase with advancement in age, therefore, it makes a lot of sense to join ECHS and forego the Fixed Medical Allowance. Pre-2003 pensioners, who wish to join ECHS, should contact ECHS Regional Centre/nearest Military Base for advice.  In addition they can go to ECHS official Website i.e. www.indianarmy.nic.in/arechs.htm.  The date for enrolment of eligible pre-2003 retiree non members is extended up to 01.12.2011.  Veterans are advised to avail the opportunity.  The revised rates of subscription for pre-2003 pensioners are as follows:-

(a)    ESM who Retired prior to 01.01.1996.  These pensioners who wish to join the ECHS do not have to pay any subscription as per existing GOI Orders.

(b)   ESM who Retired from 01.01.1996 to 31.03.2004.  Though the scheme was made compulsory wef 01.04.203 the money from PPO was deducted from 01.04.2004.  Those pensioners who have retired between 01.01.1996 to 31.03.2004 and now want to take ECHS membership (on or after 01.06.2009) will have to pay the revised rates of subscription effective from 01.06.2009.

Note: There was no Grade Pay before VI CPC.  However, for the purpose of subscription towards joining ECHs, the current Grade Pay for the rank last held will be applicable.

ECHS Help Line

A toll free helpline 080-43004300 has been set up by ECHS central organization at Delhi to assist the ECHS members on various issues of the scheme.

Decision on revised rates of subscription of ECHS

Revised rates on the basis of grade pay after the VI CPC were exorbitant.  A case had already been sent to MOD for reconsideration of rates of subscription.  The decision is awaited.

Eligibility of Dependents of Recruits

Dependents of recruits earning disability pension are now eligible for ECHS membership.

Essential Treatment of Serving Soldiers & Dependents at Non Military Polyclinics.

Based on the decision taken during the Army Cdr’s conference in Oct 2010, instructions have been issued to provide essential treatment to serving soldiers and their dependents at non-military polyclinics located more than 50 Km away from service medicare facilities.

Source: AFA TN News Letter Oct 2011.