Village chiefs told to inform seniors of new health insurance guideline

CEBU, Philippines – Talisay City Councilor Danilo Caballero has encouraged 22 barangay chairmen to facilitate and to orient associations of senior citizens on the provisions of Republic Act 10645.

In his proposed resolution No. 2015-08-3, Caballero said it is necessary that all the senior citizens in the city are informed of this new law that makes mandatory the provision of Philippine Health Insurance Corp. coverage to all Filipinos, 60 years old and above, regardless of their social or economic status.

"It is necessary and beneficial to the constituents of the City of Talisay to request all barangay chairmen to ensure the implementation of this valuable PhilHealth mandatory enrollment within their area of concern," Caballero said.

Caballero cited that the RA 10645, which amended RA 7432 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 by removing the requirement that a senior citizen has to be indigent or poor before he/she could enjoy PhilHealth coverage.

The law was signed by President Benigno Aquino III last November.

For senior citizens to enjoy the benefits, all they need to do is present any valid identification card that proves their real age.

Caballero said enrolling the senior citizen must be automatic and not optional.

Talisay City is home to over 3,000 elderly, aged 60 years old and above.

Under the program, members under the Senior Citizen category of PhilHealth will be entitled to benefits for in-patient hospital care, day/ambulatory services, Z-benefits and other special benefit packages, provided they are able to present any acceptable proof of identity and age, such as senior citizen ID or birth certificate.