HOUSE Senior Deputy Minority Leader and Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Partylist Rep. Leila de Lima has filed a Resolution seeking an investigation into the implementation of Republic Act (RA) No. 11228 or the law mandating PhilHealth coverage for all Persons with Disability (PWDs).
In particular, De Lima’s House Resolution No. 1113 aims to look into the automatic enrollment of PWDs in the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP), the collection of PhilHealth premium contributions, and the accessibility of health benefit packages.
The Bicolana lawmaker pointed out that despite the passage of RA 11228 in 2019, which guarantees automatic NHIP coverage for all qualified PWDs, mandates government payment of their premium contributions, and directs the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to develop exclusive health packages, persistent implementation gaps continue to prevent many PWDs from fully enjoying the benefits guaranteed under the law.
“Reports revealed that many PWDs remain unaware of their automatic enrollment under PhilHealth, face fragmented and inconsistent registration procedures, continue to be subjected to unnecessary documentary requirements, and experience improper classification or exclusion from coverage despite being duly registered PWDs,” the Resolution read.
“Reports have likewise surfaced that employed PWDs in both the public and private sectors continue to have PhilHealth premium contributions deducted from their salaries despite the provisions of the law intended to subsidize such contributions,” it added.
Moreover, De Lima raised concerns about the adequacy and accessibility of PhilHealth benefit packages for PWDs, particularly rehabilitation services, assistive devices, long-term care, and other disability-specific health interventions.
A known human rights and social justice champion, the lady solon underscored the need to assess the effectiveness of inter-agency coordination among PhilHealth, the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), and local government units (LGUs) in ensuring the delivery of health services and financial protection for PWDs.
“Disability often results in increased health care needs and expenditures, highlighting the urgent need for additional government support. Kaya isang malaking kasalanan at pagkukulang ng gobyerno kung bigo nitong naipatutupad ang mga serbisyong pagkalusugan na dapat ipagkaloob sa ating PWDs na nakapaloob na sa mga umiiral na batas,” De Lima said.
“Madalas nang laman ng mga balita at viral posts sa social media ang reklamo ukol sa kawalan o kapiranggot na sinasagot ng PhilHealth sa bayarin sa ospital at pagpapagamot ng mga miyembro nito. Lalong nakadidismaya na pati ang ating mga PWDs, hindi rin lubos na natatanggap ang PhilHealth benefits na nararapat para sa kanila.”
“Social justice demands that we seriously address implementation gaps in our existing laws for PWDs, evaluate the adequacy of existing disability-related health benefits, and pursue reforms to strengthen policies ensuring quality, accessible, and inclusive health care for all,” she added.
It can be recalled that this 20th Congress, De Lima also authored several measures concerning the welfare of PWDs including, among others, House Bill (HB) No. 8829 or the “National Commission on Disability Affairs Act”, HB 6577 or the “Autism Care Act”, HB 2128 or the “National Disability Support Allowance Program Act”, and HB 8828, which seeks a right-based and inclusive approach to disability by acknowledging the specific needs of persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Down syndrome (DS).
About the Author
