THE House of Representatives approved on third and final reading a bill which would mandate the automatic Philhealth coverage of all Persons With Disability (PWDs).
House Bill 8014 was approved during Monday’s plenary session in a vote of 204-0.
The said bill provides for the addition of a new Section 20-A in Republic Act No. 7277, as amended, otherwise known as the “Magna Carta for Persons with Disability" to read as follows:
“All persons with disability not currently afforded health insurance under any existing category shall be covered by the national health insurance program of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth)."
"The funds necessary for the effective implementation of this act shall be sourced from the national health insurance fund of Philhealth earmarked from the proceeds of Republic Act No. 10351, otherwise known as An Act Restructuring the Excise Tax on Alcohol and Tobacco Products, in accordance with pertinent laws and regulations,” it added.
The Philhealth and the Department of Social Welfare and Development shall promulgate, within 30 days after the effectivity of the measure, the necessary rules and regulations for its implementation.
The bill was introduced by Representatives Micaela Violago, Alfredo Garbin Jr., Rodel Batocabe, Christopher Co, Marino Michael Velarde Jr., Jerry Treñas, Alfredo Vargas III, Karlo Nogralesm Gary Alejano, among others. (SunStar Philippines)