PhilHealth OFW program serves 5M migrants, dependents

Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (Philhealth) president and chief executive officer Dr. Eduardo Banzon yesterday said at least five million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their dependents are now covered by the state-run Philippine Health Insurance Corp.

“We’ve so far signed up 2.52 million OFWs and 2.48 million of their declared dependents, we now have around five million Filipinos covered by our overseas workers program,” Banzon said.

He said that under the program the active land-based OFWs who went through the prescribed registration process of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) were enlisted as Philhealth members.

Banzon said the OFWs already abroad but not yet enrolled as Philhealth members may also register under the program. Sailors and other sea-based OFWs are considered locally employed members.

The PhilHealth chief said a growing number of OFWs, especially those with dependents, have been joining Philhealth and securing themselves against the financial risks associated with devastating sickness in the family.

“They recognize that their premiums represent a small but essential investment meant to guarantee them some financial relief in the event of any ailment in the family,” he said.

“We are encouraging OFWs to pay their premiums for the entire duration of their job contracts abroad. This way, both the OFWs and their dependents will be protected the whole time,” he added.

The Philhealth provides subsidy for room and board, drugs and medicines, laboratory exams, operating room and professional fees for hospital confinements of not less than 24 hours. It is also covering an increasing number of outpatient services, including day surgeries and treatment of tuberculosis.

Qualified dependents of OFWs who are active Philhealth members are entitled to a separate coverage of up to 45 days’ confinement per calendar year. However, the 45-day allowance is shared among all dependents.

Eligible dependents include an OFW’s legal spouse who is not a Philhealth member, or whose membership is inactive; his children below 21 years of age, unmarried and unemployed; and his parents who are 60 years old and above.

At present, OFWs pay an annual premium of only P1,200 to enjoy Philhealth coverage. This rate will be adjusted to P2,400 effective Jan. 1, 2013 to allow the national health insurer to improve benefits and expand coverage. –Mina Diaz, Daily Tribune