The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) primarily provides healthcare benefits to ex-servicemen (ESM) and their dependents who are in receipt of a pension. This includes those drawing service pension, disability pension, or family pension from the Controller of Defence Accounts.Essentially, if you are an ex-serviceman or a family member of an ex-serviceman and receive a pension, you are likely eligible for ECHS.
Detailed Eligibility:
Ex-Servicemen (ESM):
Any individual who has served in the Indian Armed Forces in any rank and is drawing a pension, disability pension, or family pension from the CDA.
Family Pensioners:
This includes widows and family members who are in receipt of a pension from the CDA.
Dependents:
ECHS also covers dependents of eligible ex-servicemen, including:
Spouse
Legitimate children (with certain age and earning conditions)
Dependent parents (residing with the pensioner)
Widowed or separated daughters (and their dependent children)
Specially-abled children (mentally or physically challenged)
War Widows and NOK of Battle Casualties:
These individuals are also eligible for ECHS benefits.
Personnel Disabled in Operations:
Those disabled during operations, including those medically boarded out during training and receiving disability pension, are covered.
Income of Dependents:
It's important to note that there is an income limit for certain dependents (excluding those specifically mentioned above) to be eligible for ECHS benefits.
Important Considerations:
Pension Requirement:
A key requirement for ECHS membership is that the ex-serviceman or their family member must be receiving a pension from the CDA.
Voluntary Enrollment:
Joining ECHS is voluntary for those who retired before a certain date (e.g., March 31, 2003).
No Age or Medical Condition Restrictions:
There are generally no age or medical condition restrictions for joining ECHS, although there may be specific rules for dependents.
Annual Validation:
Dependents may need to undergo annual validation to confirm their continued eligibility.
In summary, ECHS provides comprehensive healthcare coverage to a wide range of ex-servicemen and their families, with a focus on those receiving pensions and their dependents.
