Rebels, orphans get PhilHealth coverage under new mandate

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 11): Rebels, orphans get PhilHealth coverage under new mandate

Under new directions of the state-run health insurance system, all rebel returnees and orphans will be enrolled under PhilHealth coverage, according to Rommel Aranca, Kalinga PhilHealth Field Office chief. He said current mandates from the Philippine Health Insurance Corp say that rebel returnees and orphans who by category belong to the special health insurance target groups will be enrolled under the sponsorship program of PhilHealth. “This is one way of assisting rebel returnees cope from the hardship of starting life anew after rejoining the mainstream society,” Aranca said.

Orphans, on the other hand, can also enjoy the same benefits while under the custody of foster parents. However, he explained that foster parents, even if they are relatives of orphans, have to apply first for formal custody care license from the Department of Social Welfare and Development before orphan PhilHealth enrolment proceeds.

Meanwhile, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Digna Dalutag said a number of former rebels amnestied before and identified under the National Household Targeting System and beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps had also been enrolled in PhilHealth. She said they will work closely with PhilHealth to have all rebel returnees and orphans in the province get a coverage.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=171355197287