SSS, PhilHealth coverage for PWDs pushed

MANILA, Philippines – An administration lawmaker has called for amendments to Republic Act 7277 or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons to allow persons with disabilities (PWDs) to be covered by the Social Security System (SSS) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).

House Bill 5333 or the “Persons with Disability PhilHealth and SSS Coverage Act of 2011” filed by Pampanga Rep. Carmelo Lazatin also seeks to grant a one-year government subsidy for the PWDs initial contribution to the two agencies.

He said the initial one-year government subsidy of monthly contribution of PWDs will encourage the PWDs to permanently become members of the SSS and PhilHealth.

“The government support will go a long way especially in their times of need,” Lazatin said.

In pressing for the immediate approval of the bill, he said “the efforts of persons with disability to live a normal and productive life are very commendable and remarkable.”

“Despite their condition, some of them are trying hard to earn a decent living by establishing their own small business,” Lazatin said.

Upon approval of the bill, the PWDs who are self employed shall be entitled to a government subsidy of their monthly contribution for one year of coverage upon their registration with the SSS and PhilHealth.

“The privileges are only available for PWDs who are Filipino citizens and must submit a certification of their being self-employed from the city or municipal social welfare officer where the PWDs reside,” Lazatin said.

He said “the PWDs and their dependents will receive all the benefits provided for by the SSS and the PhilHealth to all their members.”

The Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the SSS and the PhilHealth shall issue the necessary rules and regulation for effective implementation of the Act. –Paolo Romero (The Philippine Star)