The launching program will be highlighted by the ceremonial enrollment into the program of Piñol as the first Chip member.
A memorandum of agreement between the Provincial Government and local government units (LGUs) signifying their commitment and support for the program will also be signed during the occasion.
The much-awaited program aims to provide and implement an applicable health benefit package to poor constituents of the province.
"The Chip will give flesh to our pronouncement that we care for the poorest of the poor of North Cotabato," Piñol said.
"This will free our people, especially the poor families, from the indignity of begging from local officials for financial assistance in their medical needs. It will also unburden our local governments who are spending millions for medical assistance that is not even enough for the needs of every citizen who has nowhere to go to but government," he added.
Indigent members will be provided health insurance coverage of up to a maximum P75,000 per year for an annual membership fee of P100.
The Provincial Government, Municipal Government, and barangay will subsidize the rest of the yearly premium of P1,200 contributing P600, P360, and P140 respectively in the name of the indigent member.
Non-indigent individuals may also enroll for coverage at a yearly premium of P1,600. They are however no longer entitled to LGU subsidy.
All enrollees must be PhilHealth members in order to qualify.
Coverage includes expenses for room and board; services of health care professionals; diagnostic, laboratory, and medical examination services; use of surgical or medical equipment and facilities; and prescription drugs and biologicals.
The Provincial Government has already allocated P6 million for its counterpart in the premium payments of the first batch of indigent members.
Piñol ordered the setting aside of more than P1 million to be used as its share in the premium contributions of more than 1,600 Provincial Government employees who will be enrolled under the Chip's Plan B package for non-indigent members. (BOT)
