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By Prince Golez, Manila Reporter
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Tuesday, March 28, 2017
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MANILA – The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) expressed support for lawmakers in pushing legislation that would provide mandatory PhilHealth coverage for all persons with disability (PWDs).
A total of 14 bills in both houses of Congress have been filed expanding health benefits for PWDs.
“PhilHealth interposes no objection on the intention of the proposed legislation since they are consistent with the mandate of the Corporation as provided for under Article 1, Section 2 of Republic Act 7875, as amended, or te National Health Insurance Act of 2013,” Acting president Ramon Aristoza said.
The provision directs the government to provide comprehensive health care services for all Filipinos through socialized health insurance program and prioritize the health care needs of PWDs.
According to the official, PWDs who are parents below 60-years old and children aged 20-years and above are currently covered by PhilHealth as qualified dependents.
The premium subsidy of the mandatory coverage of PWD shall be sourced from the Sin Tax collections, he said.
PhilHealth added that qualified enrollees shall be identified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
“A similar bill in the Senate, Senate Bill No. 1021 authored by Sen. Panfilo Lacson, is supported as it provides specific definition on who shall be subsidized by the National Government through Sin Tax,” Aristoza said.
He also cited Rep. Jerry Treñas’ House Bill No. (HBN) 656 which provides the process for qualified individuals.
“(HBN 656) qualifies that the privileges shall be available only to PWD who are Filipino citizens upon submission of proof of entitlement, such as ID card issues by the city/municipal government through the mayor or barangay captain where the PWD resides, valid passport, or ID card issued by the National Council for the Welfare of disabled Persons,” PhilHealth said.
Aristoza also pushed for the integration of Lacson’s and Treñas’ bills./PN
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