New moms urged to sign up

THE PHILIPPINE Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) has reminded pregnant women not yet covered by the national health insurance program to register and avail themselves of the maternity benefits enjoyed by members.

PhilHealth president Alexander Padilla said the agency’s social health insurance covered all expectant women.

“We give importance to the health of all Filipinos, especially mothers and their babies. This is why we expedite their registration so they can avail of the benefits,” he said.

Expectant mothers may enrol in PhilHealth to be automatically eligible for the benefits while inactive members may update their premium payments to qualify for the benefits.

Proof

Pregnant women not yet covered by the program must submit a PhilHealth member registration form and proof confirming pregnancy, such as a medical certificate, laboratory or ultrasound results, or photocopy of their admission book.

New enrollees may pay a P2,400 annual premium at any  local PhilHealth office, while old members should update their premium.

Pregnant women who are minors should enroll as primary members to ensure that their newborn babies shall also be covered by health insurance.

Women in the C-3 to D classes will be covered by the point-of-care enrollment plan and should apply at PhilHealth-accredited government health care institutions.

Padilla said the maternity care package was worth P6,500 in an accredited hospital and P8,000 in an accredited birthing home, maternity clinic, infirmary or dispensary.

Padilla said a newborn is entitled to the newborn care package which includes a screening and hearing test worth P1,750. Julie M. Aurelio