DOJ helps to 100% PhilHealth coverage of the poor

In line with the Aquino Health Agenda of achieving universal health care for all Filipinos, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has authorized the Aquino administration to use P8.3 billion to fully subsidize the PhilHealth premiums of indigent patients.

“We laud the DOJ’s decision to clear the P8.3 billion for the full Philhealth subsidy for indigent families. As determined as we are to successfully implement the Aquino Health Agenda and provide aid to in-need patients, we want to accomplish this within the boundaries of the law,” Budget and Management Secretary Florencio B. Abad said.

The amount is part of the P12-billion allocation for the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) for indigents under the 2012 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

“Gaining access to quality healthcare has always been a challenge for poor indigent Filipinos, many of whom cannot afford the cost of proper medical aid. The DOJ’s decision to clear the full Philhealth subsidy will boost the government’s efforts in extending critical healthcare support to indigent families across the country,” Budget and Management Secretary Florencio B. Abad said.

According to Abad, a total of 3.41 million qualified beneficiaries have already been identified, based on an updated database from the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

“By fully subsidizing the insurance premiums of indigent patients, qualified families can have better access to outpatient and inpatient services at PhilHealth-accredited facilities. This way, the government can help indigents strike down many of the financial barriers that prevent them from seeking treatment for pressing health concerns,” Abad said.

Under Department of Health Administrative Order No. 2010-0036, or the Aquino Health Agenda, the implementation of a universal health care system shall ensure the achievement of a better, sustained, and responsive health system by guaranteeing equitable access to affordable health care for all Filipinos.