Philhealth vows higher benefits for OFWs

THE Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (Philhealth) vowed to deliver higher benefit payments and improved services to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their dependents, in return for a contribution of less than P3.50 per day, or P1,200 yearly.

“The required annual contribution stays at P1,200 this year, or less than P3.50 per day. Their (OFWs) adjusted premium of less than P7 daily, or P2,400 per annum, won’t take effect until January next year,” said Dr. Eduardo Banzon, Philhealth president and chief executive officer.

“We are building up our capacity to provide greater value for money to our members – our customers, including OFWs. We are constantly enriching benefits and enhancing services,” Banzon said.

“Through enlarged benefit payments, we hope to entice a greater number of OFWs, particularly those already out of the country, to enlist as Philhealth members,” he said. Banzon also reiterated that OFWs may avail themselves of the annual premium rate of P1,200 should they opt to pay the full premium contribution for the next two to five years on or before Dec. 31.

Banzon urged OFWs to pay their premiums at least for the entire duration of their job contracts abroad.

Qualified dependents of OFWs who are active Philhealth members are entitled to a separate coverage of up to 45 days confinement per year. However, the 45 days allowance is shared among all dependents.

OFW’s dependents include spouse who is not a Philhealth member, or whose membership is inactive, his/her children below 21 years of age (unmarried and unemployed) and parents who are 60 years old and above.