6-M seniors soon to have lifetime health insurance
More than six million elderly in the country will soon become lifetime members of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).
This was announced by PhilHealth President and CEO Alexander A. Padilla during forum held recently on social protection programs for the elderly, an Elderly Filipino Week activity organized by PhilHealth and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The elderly beneficiaries of Philhealth’s Lifetime Member Program (LMP) will be provided coverage for life without paying the premium anymore.
“Our LMP is open to those who have made 120 monthly contributions to the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP), and have reached the age of retirement,” Padilla said, clarifying however, that those who are still gainfully employed even at age of retirement are not yet eligible under the LMP.
DSWD is supporting Senate Bill No. 712, a measure that would authorize the PhilHealth to cover all senior citizens in the country.
The Bill was approved on third and final reading in the Senate.
During the forum, DSWD, PhilHealth, Social Security System (SSS), and Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) signed a manifest for the promotion of adequate social services and protection for elderly Filipinos.
The Elderly Filipino Week is celebrated annually from October 1 to 7 pursuant to Proclamation No. 470.
This year’s theme is “Ang Nakatatanda ay Yaman, Katuwang sa Pag-unlad ng Bayan, Pangalagaan Kanilang Kapakanan.” (DSWD)