Caloocan folk get health insurance

At least 500 poor residents of Caloocan City are assured of medical assistance, especially during emergencies, as they will be granted health insurance under the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (Philhealth).

First Gentleman Mike Arroyo announced that the poor residents will be enrolled in the "Medicare Para sa Masa" program of PhilHealth by the Kaibigan ni Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (KGMA) Foundation. Mr. Arroyo said the foundation will pay for the insurance premium.

Individuals enrolled in PhilHealth are guaranteed access to quality medical care services from any of the 1,502 PhilHealth-accredited health care facilities nationwide.

The benefits include allowance for hospital room and board fees, drugs and medicines, X-ray and laboratory examinations, doctors’ fee and use of the operating room.

The assurance was announced yesterday by Mr. Arroyo as he led the mass induction of more than 500 new KGMA members from Caloocan, Valenzuela City and other areas in Metro Manila at the Bulwagan Katipunan of the Caloocan City Hall.