Lawmaker seeks free insurance for PWDs

A Bicol lawmaker is seeking free insurance coverage for millions of persons with disability (PWDs).

Under Bill 6108 authored by Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte, the insurance coverage of PWDs would be shouldered by state-owned Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (Philhealth).

“This would ensure their full access to health and medical facilities and services, in keeping with the country’s commitment under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of PWDs,” Villafuerte said.

He explained that the bill intends to provide the differently abled with the same opportunities available to everyone else.

Based on the results of the 2010 census of population and housing, more than 1.4 million Filipinos have disabilities, he said.

Though Republic Act No. 7277 or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons calls for a national health program for PWDs, “there are still gaps that need to be addressed, like lack of access to health services and facilities,” Villafuerte noted.

He said his bill would amend the law to expressly provide free Philhealth coverage to Filipinos with physical disabilities.

The needed funds would be sourced from proceeds from higher taxes on the so-called “sin” products like cigarettes and liquor.

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