Solon bats for PWD inclusion in PhilHealth coverage

MANILA, Philippines – Quezon City Rep. Alfredo Vargas III proposed House Bill (HB) 6251 which proposed the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the coverage of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).

Vargas said he believes the government has the responsibility to provide preventive measures and medical treatment to them and the needy.

The proposed measure will be known as the “Mandatory Philhealth Coverage for All PWDs Act of 2015.”

Vargas cited the Republic Act 7277, otherwise known as the “Magna Carta for Persons with Disability,” in proposing the inclusion of PWDs in Philhealth as the magna carta secures the PWD’s rights to essential health services.

"There are more measures to be done to ensure that the PWDs' right to health is protected, promoted, and prioritized," Vargas said.

Under HB 6251, the funds to ensure that PWDs will be enrolled under existing health program shall be sourced from the proceeds of sin tax law.

With the proposed measure, the PhilHealth and the Department of Social Welfare Development are tasked to promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for its proper and effective implementation.

Vargas said there are 1,442,586 PWDs in the country, accounting for 1.53 percent of the entire Philippine population.