PhilHealth registration day on October 2

CEBU, Philippines – Those who are not yet members of the PhilHealth insurance have a chance to register this coming Saturday October 2, 2010.

Dubbed as the National PhilHealth Registration Day, the activity will be from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at the University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu College campus in Lahug, Cebu City.

The same activity will also be done in Bohol, Dumaguete and Siquijor, said lawyer Karisma Ivee Agraviador, PhilHealth Public Relations Officer.

"This is to ensure a sustainable, affordable and progressive social health insurance to all Filipinos," said Agraviador.

All employees of PhilHealth will be assisting those who want to register. All those whose membership has been inactive can also follow up their status this Saturday, a day for registration, inquiries, orientation and open forum.

Those who want to be registered must bring a valid ID and birth certificate and must pay P300 to cover the first quarter.

PhilHealth expects a lot of people to register. The lawyer said that once people are registered, they will be given a PhilHealth ID as proof that they passed all the requirements.

Those who could apply for membership include overseas workers and those who are employed. However, the PhilHealth stressed that self-practicing professionals, freelance writers and photographers, artists, employees of religious and civic organizations and Philippine-based international organizations can also apply for membership.

The program also welcomes self-employed individuals, farmers and fisher folks and even daily wage earners such as vendors and transport drivers and operators.

Health insurance premiums for these individually paying members are remitted voluntarily at any accredited payments centers on a quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis.

The members here in the Philippines can pay at the PhilHealth Office and other collecting offices like MLhuillier. Payment through text is also available, while those outside the country can course their payment through I-remit offices abroad and the Philippine Veterans Bank Abroad. (FREEMAN)