6M senior citizens to get lifetime health insurance

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines–Approximately six million senior citizens will be enjoying lifetime health insurance under a Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) program for elderly citizens.

In the PhilHealth’s Lifetime Member Program (LPM), the elderly who have paid a certain number of monthly contributions will be given lifetime coverage without having to pay premiums.

“Our LMP is open to those who have made 120 monthly contributions to the National Health Insurance Program and have reached the age of retirement,” said PhilHealth president Alexander Padilla in a recent forum organized by his agency and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The forum on social protection programs was part of the activities for the Elderly Filipino Week last Oct. 1 to 7.

Padilla clarified that those still gainfully employed even at the age of retirement are not eligible for the lifetime health coverage.

Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman said the DSWD backs Senate Bill No. 712, a measure that would authorize the PhilHealth to cover the health insurance of all senior citizens.

During the forum, the DSWD, PhilHealth, the Social Security System and the Government Service Insurance System inked a manifesto urging the promotion of adequate social services and protection for elderly Filipinos.