Government Allows Eligible Widowed and Divorced Daughters to Join Parents' CGHS Health Cards After Their Death

**New Delhi, November 1, 2026:** The Union Health Ministry has introduced a change in the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) rules, allowing eligible dependent widowed and divorced daughters to be included in the CGHS cards held by family pensioners even after the death of the original government employee or pensioner. The decision is expected to provide healthcare support to eligible women who return to live with their parents and depend on them financially. According to a report by The Times of India, the Health Ministry issued an official order dated October 28, 2026, permitting the addition or reinstatement of such dependent family members. **What Has Changed?** Under the earlier arrangement, there was no provision to add or reinstate dependent family members to a CGHS card held by a family pensioner after the death of the original primary cardholder. The new decision addresses difficulties faced by elderly family pensioners supporting widowed or divorced daughters who have returned to their households. **Eligibility Conditions** The new provision is not automatic. Authorities will verify the daughter's marital status, income and financial dependency before allowing inclusion or reinstatement in the CGHS card. All other existing CGHS eligibility conditions will continue to apply. **Why Is This Decision Important?** The change is expected to help eligible families who face difficulties arranging healthcare coverage for dependent daughters after the death of the original government employee or pensioner. It may provide greater continuity of healthcare access for women who meet the prescribed eligibility requirements. **Official Communication to Departments** The Health Ministry's order has been circulated to central government ministries and departments, along with the Directorate General of CGHS. The revised provision represents a change in the healthcare eligibility arrangements for qualifying family pensioners and their dependent daughters.