PHILHEALTH EXPANDED COVERAGE INCLUDES EYEGLASSES, MOBILITY AIDS IN 2025


State-owned PhilHealth shouldering the cost of prescription of all its members to help Filipinos (Photo courtesy of Summit Express)
The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) disclosed that it will shoulder its members' prescription glasses, crutches, walkers and wheelchairs starting January 2025. The additional benefits were requested by House Speaker Martin Romualdez according to Rep. Erwin Tulfo.
“The PhilHealth management agreed to shoulder the cost of these starting next year. It has always been a problem of seniors and persons with disability, where their mobility is always a challenge,” Tulfo said in a statement.
He also said that this will help lessen the financial burdens to the countrymen. “Wheelchairs are the most in demand, particularly for senior citizens and PWDs. But we didn’t stop there, we also requested PhilHealth officials to include eyeglasses, crutches and walkers.”
Earlier in March, House Resolution 1623 was filed by AGRI party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee urging PhilHealth to include optometric services in its benefits coverage. “While uncorrected refractive errors are the leading cause of vision impairment and are easily addressed with glasses or contacts, unaddressed vision impairment has severe consequences.”
Adding that “vision impairment can cause social isolation, depression, and economic hardship in adults. Inclusion of optometric services in PhilHealth benefits are essential for promoting eye health, preventing vision loss, and improving the quality of life Filipinos.”
“By providing accessible, comprehensive, and quality eye care services, optometric services can contribute significantly to the well-being of individuals and communities across the country,” it added.
PhilHealth president Manny Ledesma said they are in the process of creating the mechanics on how PhilHealth members can avail of the program, and establishing which optical centers, drug stores or pharmaceutical centers can distribute them.
Source: Philippine Star
Be part of ImHenyo community!
Get featured by sharing your stories, news, and comments
Email us at [email protected]
NEWS















Comments