DBM releases P35.3B in health subsidy to poor families

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P35.3 billion as subsidy for the health insurance coverage of indigent families enrolled in the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) or PhilHealth.

The money will cover the health insurance premiums of 14.706 million household beneficiaries identified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) for the period January to December this year.

“Bringing universal health insurance is still a priority in the Aquino administration’s reform campaign. Central to our health agenda in the country is ensuring that the poorest have access to quality medical and health services. We therefore allotted a significant amount for the health insurance benefits of our indigents and their families this year,” Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said.

The P35.3 billion has been charged against the Budgetary Support to Government Corp. under the 2014 national budget.

According to the DBM, the Bureau of Treasury will be releasing the subsidy to PhilHealth based on actual billings; the number of identified families per region, municipality, and barangay; and the names of each enrolled beneficiary identified by the NHTS-PR.

All indigents identified under the targeting system are automatically enrolled under PhilHealth’s indigent program.

“Our focus on achieving inclusive growth is propelled by our commitment to further empower the less privileged through healthcare and other basic social services. To this end, it is only fitting that we extend health insurance to those who need them the most,” Abad said. –Zinnia Dela Peña (The Philippine Star)