On June 1, 2016, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) regarding the Supplemental Medical Assistance or “MEDplus” Program for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
The MEDplus Program offers a one-time medical or financial assistance for active OWWA and PhilHealth member-OFWs who are afflicted with dreaded diseases, and hospitalized in the Philippines or abroad. Basically, it supplements the benefits provided by PhilHealth for such cases.
Program Benefits
Under the MEDplus Program, the amount of medical assistance given to eligible beneficiaries is equivalent to the PhilHealth benefits based on its case rate system, though it shall not exceed PHP 50,000 per member. Notably, it is given on top of the member’s PhilHealth benefits.
The amount will be used to help cover the beneficiary’s hospital and medical bills, including surgical procedures and treatment for dreaded diseases. Subsequent use of the financial assistance is allowed, provided that it does not exceed the PHP 50,000 limit, and will be used for the same dreaded disease.
Eligibility
Those who are eligible for the program include:
- OFWs who are active members of OWWA and PhilHealth;
- OFWs who are afflicted with dreaded diseases;
- Dependents of OFWs (in case of death or if OFW is still abroad).
NOTE: The dreaded diseases covered by the MEDplus program include: chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ischemic heart disease, liver disease, and all types of cancer.
Requirements
To avail of the program, applicants need to prepare the following documents:
- Filled out MEDplus Application Form;
- One (1) passport-sized picture;
- Valid passport;
- Valid ID;
- Medical Certificate;
- PhilHealth Member Data Record (MDR);
- Copy of PhilHealth Benefit Payment Notice (BPN);
- Proof of OWWA membership contribution (e.g. OWWA official receipt);
- Notarized Special Power of Attorney (SPA) executed by the OFW, if the OFW is abroad and the claimant is his/her next-of-kin; and
- If the OFW is deceased, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-issued Death Certificate of deceased OFW and Marriage Contract or Birth Certificate of next-of-kin claimant.
NOTE: The BPN is a report of the actual payments made by PhilHealth in relation to the beneficiary’s confinement or availment.
Application Process
As for the application process, here is a step-by-step guide:
- Go to the nearest OWWA Regional Office in the Philippines, or Migrant Workers Office (MWO) if you’re abroad.
- Submit all the required forms and documents.
- After submitting your documents and confirming your PhilHealth benefit payment, wait for up to three (3) days. OWWA’s medical doctors will evaluate your records before confirming and approving your application.
NOTE: OFWs may avail of the program as long as they are active members of OWWA. Additionally, they are still covered within 60 days after their OWWA membership expires.
For more details about the MEDplus Program, please visit the OWWA official website. You can also watch this video about the MEDPlus Program, shared on OWWA’s official Facebook page:
OFWs who are suffering from dreaded diseases can expect to receive medical assistance, thanks to OWWA’s MEDplus Program. On top of PhilHealth benefits, the program helps in covering the costs of members’ hospitalization, treatment, and medical procedures.
Speaking of medical programs, OWWA also offers scholarships for OFWs and their dependents who aspire to be healthcare practitioners. These are the Medical Scholarship and Return Service (MSRS) Program and the Medical Technologists and Pharmacists Scholarship Program (MTP-SP).