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Also, the matters contained in the following were written in accordance with the law, rules, and jurisprudence prevailing at the time of writing and posting, and do not include any future developments on the subject matter under discussion.
AT A GLANCE:
The Month of February of every year is declared as the National Health Insurance Month.
Pursuant to Proclamation No. 1400, series of 2007, the month of February of every year is declared as the National Health Insurance Month in the Philippines. The proclamation aims to stimulate public awareness on the issues involving social health insurance and to encourage each of its partners in taking on its role to ensure the success of the national health insurance programs.
The law says:
“NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare the month of February of every year as the National Health Insurance Month.
All departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the national government, local government units, government-owned and controlled corporations, government financing institutions, as well as the mass media and the entire citizenry are hereby enjoined to extend their whole-hearted support and cooperation by conducting specific programs necessary to effect this order in coordination with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.” (Proclamation No. 1400, series of 2007).
Under Republic Act No. 11223, or the Universal Health Care Act, every Filipino citizen shall be automatically included into the NHIP, hereinafter referred to as the Program. Thus, every Filipino shall be granted immediate eligibility and access to preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative care for medical, dental, mental and emergency health services, delivered either as population-based or individual-based health services. (Sections 5 and 6, par. a, R.A. No. 11223)
The law says:
“Section 9. Entitlement to Benefits. – Every member shall be granted immediate eligibility for health benefit package under the Program: Provided, That PhilHealth Identification Card shall not be required in the availment of any health service: Provided, further, That no co-payment shall be charged for services rendered in basic or ward accommodation: Provided, furthermore, That co-payments and co-insurance for amenities in public hospitals shall be regulated by the DOH and PhilHealth: Provided, finally, That the current PhilHealth package for members shall not be reduced.
PhilHealth shall provide additional Program benefits for direct contributors, where applicable: Provided, That failure to pay premiums shall not prevent the enjoyment of any Program benefits: Provided, further, That employers and self-employed direct contributors shall be required to pay all missed contributions with an interest, compounded monthly, of at least three percent (3%) for employers and not exceeding one and one-half percent (1.5%) for self-earning, professional practitioners, and migrant workers.” (Sections 9, R.A. No. 11223)
Related article: What is the “Cash and Carry” Rule under the Insurance Code?
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