The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of P25.16 billion to cover the one-year health insurance premiums of around 8.4 million indigents enrolled in the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).
The special allotment release order was approved by Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman last May 23.
“The pandemic has opened our eyes to the importance of a stronger healthcare system, so we are exerting efforts to bring it closer to our fellow countrymen, especially those in greater need,” Pangandaman said.
Indigent persons are those that have no visible means of income, or whose income is insufficient for family subsistence, as identified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, based on specific criteria.
The fund will be sourced from authorized allotments in the 2023 General Appropriations Act pursuant to Republic Act 11936.
To recall, the DBM approved the release of a total of P42.93 billion to cover one-year health insurance premiums of over 8.5 million senior citizens nationwide last April 4.
Under the 2023 General Appropriations Act, P79 billion is allocated to cover the payment of health insurance premiums of indirect contributors, including the elderly.
Pursuant to Republic Act 10645, otherwise known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, all senior citizens shall be covered by the National Health Insurance Program of PhilHealth.
Funds necessary to ensure the enrollment of all senior citizens not currently covered by any existing category shall be sourced from the National Health Insurance Fund of PhilHealth from proceeds of Republic Act 10351 or the Sin Tax Law.
