AFVOA Newletters of Year 2003

Page 104 of 170 done within 120 days of receiving the SMART CARD. (b) ECHS SMART CARD will not work at any ECHS Polyclinic unless activated. (c) Use the polyclinic facilities. When visiting a Polyclinic subsequently, it is mandatory for the pensioner or his family member to carry the ECHS SMART CARD as proof of eligibility. Otherwise, the Polyclinic may not accept the individual for treatment. Application Procedure for Soldiers Retiring wef 01 April 2003 55. (a) Separate procedure is being issued through Army/Navy/Air Forces Orders/Instructions. Such personnel are automatic members of the Scheme from date of retirement. (b) Application Form (ECHS Med – 2003), currently under printing, to be submitted (as indicated in the General Instructions in the form) well in advance of retirement date. Submission of Application form and Affidavit is mandatory. Contribution will be automatically deducted by respective Principal Controller of Defence Account (CDA) (Pensioners) from terminal benefits and endorsed on PPO with remarks “ECHS Contribution” . (c) The organisation will attempt to ensure that SMART CARD is issued 7-15 days prior to retirement through his/her unit, in respect of Officers, and from Regimental Centre/Records Office/Commodore Bureau of Sailors (CABS)/Air Force (AF) unit in case of personnel below officer rank (PBOR) of the three services. PART 4 Contribution 56. Contribution can be made by Ex-Servicemen as a one-time payment or in three consecutive yearly instalments. The contribution amount is mentioned in the application form and is per basic pension (ie, without commutation and without DA ) of the ESM and is to be remitted through Military Receivable Order, to SBI/RBI/Government Treasury. This remittance procedure is NOT applicable to those persons retiring from 01 Apr 2003 onwards, and where PPOs have the endorsement “ECHS Contribution” thereon. For pensioners/widows/family pensioners, who opt to pay in one instalment, the ECHS facility is available for lifetime. In case the payment is remitted in three instalments, the validity of the ECHS Smart Card/medical treatment will only be valid for the period of payment. Pensioners paying by instalments are responsible to inform the Station HQs or concerned Regional Centre by post (enclosing original copy of MRO) that the second and third instalments have been deposited as and when due. In case the next instalment is not paid by due date, such SMART cards will not be accepted by Polyclinic Card Readers and the card will automatically become inactive. However, the ECHS Card will be renewed/reactivated when the next payment is deposited and proof provided. After the third and final instalment is paid, the SMART Card will become active for lifetime of the pensioner and for eligibility period for dependents. 57. Rates are at par with rates of CGHS. The amount to be deposited by MRO is as follows:- BASIC UNCOMMUTED PENSION RATE OF ONE TIME (excluding DA and Disability) SUBSCRIPTION Upto Rs 1500/- Rs 1800/- Between Rs 1501 and 3000/- Rs 4800/- Between Rs 3001 and 5000/- Rs 8400/- Between Rs 5001 and 7500/- Rs 12000/- Above Rs 7500/- Rs 18000/-