Solo moms and dads, here's something to look forward to: the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is set to provide free healthcare coverage for solo parents.
In September, PhilHealth announced new guidelines that offer free health services to solo parents and their registered children or dependents, without requiring any premium contributions. This initiative is a significant step toward ensuring that solo parents and their families have access to essential healthcare services.
To take advantage of these benefits, individuals must be registered with the Solo Parents Offices (SPOs) or Solo Parent Divisions (SPDs) in their local areas.
ALSO READ: Guide: Here's How To Get Your Solo Parent ID Card
PhilHealth's Enhanced Benefits for Solo Parents
According to PhilHealth’s Circular 2024-0020, solo parents and their children will be automatically included in the National Health Insurance Program.
In addition to health coverage, they will receive discounts on essential items such as baby formula, diapers, and prescribed medicines for children under six. Solo parents are also entitled to seven days of paid parental leave, regardless of employment status, and will have priority access to telecommuting opportunities.
PhilHealth will update its membership registration form to include new fields that facilitate the recognition of solo parents and the benefits available to them. However, the agency stressed that only individuals with a valid Solo Parent Identification Card (SPIC) issued by local government units (LGUs) will qualify for automatic enrollment.
The agency stated, “A revised PhilHealth membership registration form shall be issued to include the corresponding membership type and subtype for solo parents.” Applicants are encouraged to obtain their SPIC from their local solo parents division to ensure that their PhilHealth membership is current.
Additionally, the premium contributions of single parents employed in the formal economy will be shared equally by their respective employers and the national government.
Camarines Sur 2nd District Rep. LRay Villafuerte, co-author of the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, explained that this enhanced legislation builds upon the original Solo Parents Welfare Act of 2000.
He emphasized that PhilHealth’s automatic coverage for solo parents aligns with the law’s mandate to uphold the “natural and primary rights and duty of solo parents in rearing their children.”
Click here for a guide on the benefits available to all solo parents in the Philippines.
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