OFWs told: Show proof of status

CEBU, Philippines -   Individuals applying for health insurance coverage under PhilHealth’s Overseas Workers Program (OWP) must be able to show proof of active status as OFW both upon registration and upon renewal of coverage.

OWP covers active land-based OFWs—sea-based contract workers are generally covered under the Employed Sector Program.

In light of concerns regarding supporting documents admissible for OWP registration or renewal, PhilHealth issued Circular 19-2011 shedding further light on relevant policies.

Per Circular 19, PhilHealth accepts any one of the following (whichever is applicable): valid overseas employment certificate (OEC), valid e-receipt, valid work visa or permit, valid employment contract, valid company ID issued by the employer abroad, certificate of employment from current employer abroad, cash remittance receipt from the member abroad at least two months prior to the date of registration or renewal, other valid certificates or IDs issued to OFWs by a host country (e.g. Soggiorno for Filipinos working in Italy), or any other equivalent proof approved by an authorized PhilHealth officer.

PhilHealth allows submission of photocopies—or scanned copies, as the case may be — of the mentioned documents.

PhilHealth also reiterates that the document submitted must clearly establish that the member is still an OFW, regardless of the number of days left in the validity period stated in therein.

OFWs unable to present the necessary supporting document may instead register under the Individually Paying Program (IPP) and pay the corresponding premium for individually-paying members. His or her member data shall only be updated under the OWP upon submission of the required supporting document.

PhilHealth has remittance partners overseas. However, if there are no remittance centers near where the OFW is, his/her family members in the Philippines or an authorized representative may register the OFW or renew his/her coverage upon submission of a duly accomplished PhilHealth member registration form (PMRF) or Transaction Form (whichever is applicable) in addition to the requirements needed from the OFW.

Family members include—in this order of priority—the legitimate spouse, children of legal age, parents, siblings, and other relatives.

Authorized representatives who are not family members must bring an authorization letter from the OFW which should state the reason for the grant of authority to sign on his/her behalf and the complete name, address and contact number of the authorized representative.

If the family member or authorized representative transacts on behalf of the OFW for the purpose of member data updating (e.g. declaring dependents, changing civil status), such person must present and submit a photocopy of his/her valid ID together with the PMRF and the document(s) supporting the amendment requested.

Family members and authorized representatives may also sign the Claim Form 1 on behalf of the OFW for purposes of benefit availment. However, this authority to sign does not include authority to claim reimbursement checks. (FREEMAN)