Mandatory PhilHealth coverage for orphaned PWDs pushed

Bohol Rep. Rene L. Relampagos has batted for mandatory Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) coverage for all indigent, abandoned and orphaned persons with disabilities (PWDs).

The chairman of the House Committee on Tourism filed House Bill 6039 to include all indigent, abandoned and orphaned PWDs in PhilHealth’s National Health Insurance Program.

“This measure gives them full access to medical and healthcare services when need arises. Although Republic Act 7875 as amended, otherwise known as the National Health Insurance Act of 2013 includes ‘those children who are 21 years old or above but suffering from congenital disability, either physical or mental or any disability acquired that renders them totally dependent on the member for support as determined by the Corporation as among the legal dependents of PhilHealth members, these PWDs may lose the coverage once they have been deprived by death of one or both of their parents,” Relampagos said.

Quoting the 2010 Census, there are 1.44 million PWDs comprising 1.57 percent of the total population in the country.

“Majority are poor and do not have access to basic services. Given their conditions, PWDs need greater attention and considerations in terms of health needs, without discrimination. However, reports show that PWDs have less access to health services and therefore have greater unmet needs,” Relampagos said.

He said to help PWDs in their pursuit to become productive citizens, they should be afforded mandatory PhilHealth membership subject to the guidelines implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development in conjunction with the Department of Health.

“The coverage will also be extended to PWDs who were orphaned, abandoned or have no known family willing and capable to take care of them as well as to indigent PWDs as determined by the National Council on Disability Affairs,” he said.