Duterte signs mandatory PhilHealth coverage for PWDs

MANILA, Philippines — All of the country's more than one million persons with disability will soon have health insurance. 

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law Republic Act 11228, which provides for the mandatory health insurance coverage for all PWDs. 

Under the law, which was signed last February 22, all PWDs shall be automatically covered under the National Health Insurance Program of state-run Philippine Health Insurance Corp or PhilHealth. 

Premium contributions for all PWDs shall be paid by the national government.

Premium contributions of PWDs in the formal economy shall be shared equally by their employers and the national government. 

The contributions of PWDs will come from the proceeds of the sin tax law. 

PhilHealth, in consultation with the Health department, Social Welfare department, Labor department, National Council on Disability Affairs and local government units are expected to promulgate implementing rules and regulations within three months upon the effectivity of the law.