Following the MOA signing conducted in the first quarter of the year and in adherence to the Republic Act 10606 or the National Health Insurance Act, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office IX has started the enrolment of orphaned children who are under its custody.

A list containing two hundred ten (210) names of orphans has been submitted for registration in the database of Philhealth Insurance Incorporated so they can be covered by the universal health care program.

The DSWD identified beneficiaries are sheltered in four (4) child-caring institutions such as Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC), Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY), Balay Dangpanan sa Kabataan (BDSK) or the Home for Girls and Haven for Women.

For children who are below 21 years old, they shall be enrolled as a group of three (3), however those who are 21 years old and above shall be enrolled individually. These children shall be entitled to the same benefits as an Indigent Member including Primary Care Benefit 1 (PCB 1) and no Balance Billing (NBB).

DSWD shall remit to PhilHealth the prescribed annual premium contributions of P2,400 per group or individual.

“The orphans are one of the vulnerable sectors whose basic needs have been deliberately unattended or inadequately attended and with this NHIP we can now provide continuous health services for these children.” DSWD IX Regional Director Atty. Araceli Solamillo said in a statement.

Aside from orphans, street children, out-of-school youths, children in conflict with the law and children with special needs who are under the care of social welfare institutions run or accredited by the DSWD are also covered by the program. ###