The House of Representatives approved on second reading a measure providing mandatory Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) coverage for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Members of the lower chamber passed by viva voce House Bill No. 8014, which mandates that all PWDs shall be automatically covered under the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP).
The funds shall be sourced from the PhilHealth’s National Health Insurance Fund, which shall be earmarked from the collection of sin taxes.
AKO Bicol partylist Rep. Rodel Batocabe, sponsor of the measure, cited the need for additional mechanisms to ensure the inclusion of PWDs to the country’s development by providing them access to health insurance from PhilHealth.
“(This) measure is the answer to the desires of PWDs for full inclusion in the country’s development and provide the avenue for them to enjoy the services afforded by the government to make their lives comfortable,” Batocabe said.
“It will provide the avenue for them to enjoy the services afforded by the government to make their lives comfortable.”
“Providing them with automatic PhilHealth benefits is equitable and just as it will afford PWDs with the same entitlement presently being enjoyed by our senior citizens. We must act urgently so that our PWDs could receive the necessary health care and support from the government,” the legislator added.
“Providing them with automatic PhilHealth benefits is equitable and just as it will afford PWDs with the same entitlement presently being enjoyed by our senior citizens.”
The Senate has already approved its own version on third and final reading.
