When it comes to health concerns of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their dependents, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) coordinates with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, better known as PhilHealth.
Created by virtue of Republic Act 7875 or the “National Health Insurance Act of 1995,” PhilHealth is a government corporation attached to the Department of Health (DOH). It provides health insurance coverage and ensures accessible and affordable health care services for all Filipinos.
Vision, Mission, and Core Values
The vision of PhilHealth is: “Bawat Filipino, Miyembro; Bawat Miyembro, Protektado; Kalusugan ng Lahat, Segurado (Every Filipino, a Member; Every Member, Protected; Health for All, Assured),” according to its official website.
Correspondingly, the agency’s mission is to ensure “Benepisyong Pangkalusugang Sapat at De-kalidad para sa Lahat (Adequate and Quality Health Benefits for All).”
Notably, PhilHealth operates based on these core values: Integridad (Integrity), Inobasyon (Innovation), Agarang Serbisyo (Prompt Service), Taos-Pusong Paglilingkod (Heartfelt Service), Pagmamalasakit (Compassion), Angkop na Benepisyo (Appropriate Benefits), and Panlipunang Pagkakabuklod (Social Solidarity).
Powers and Functions
Based on R.A. 7875, as amended by R.A. 10606, the powers and functions of PhilHealth include the following:
- Administering the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP);
- Formulating and promulgating policies for the sound administration of the program;
- Supervising the provision of health benefits and setting standards, rules, and regulations necessary to ensure quality of care, appropriate use of services, fund viability, member satisfaction, and overall accomplishment of program objectives;
- Formulating and implementing guidelines on contributions and benefits; portability of benefits, cost containment and quality assurance; and health care provider arrangements, payment, methods, and referral systems;
- Collecting, depositing, investing, administering, and disbursing the National Health Insurance Fund, in compliance with the provisions of R.A 7875;
- Negotiating and entering into contracts with health care institutions, professionals, and other persons, regarding: the pricing, payment mechanisms, design, and implementation of administrative and operating systems and procedures; financing; and delivery of health services in behalf of its members;
- Establishing and maintaining an electronic database of all its members and ensuring its security to facilitate efficient and effective services;
- Conducting information campaigns on the principles of the NHIP to the public and to accredited health care providers;
- Establishing an office or designating a focal person in every Philippine Consular Office in all countries where there are Filipino citizens;
- Supporting the use of technology in the delivery of health care services, especially in far-flung areas; and
- Accrediting independent pharmacies and retail drug outlets.
PhilHealth Members
There are two main categories of PhilHealth members: direct contributors, and indirect contributors to the National Health Insurance Fund.
Direct contributors include: government and private employees; self-earning individuals or professional practitioners; kasambahay (household workers); OFWs; and lifetime members (retired, at least 60 years old, with 120 months contribution).
On the other hand, indirect contributors include: indigents, senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs); children below 21 years old; solo parents; infants; and beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
Online Services
As for online services, PhilHealth features the following portals, databases, and systems on its website:
- Member Portal. Enables members to access their PhilHealth records, pay premium contributions, select YAKAP clinics, etc.
- Electronic Group Enrollment System. Facilitates the registration and billing of organized groups.
- Case Rates Search. Provides information about PhilHealth benefit packages.
- Claims Eligibility Checking. Enables health providers to check the benefit availment eligibility of members.
- Electronic Premium Remittance System. Allows employers to remit their employees’ premium contributions online.
- Electronic Collection Reporting System. Enables PhilHealth accredited collecting agents to submit daily reports online.
- SPA Generator. Facilitates the generation of Statement of Premium Account (SPA).
- Health Facilities. Presents the complete list of health care institutions, including their accreditation status.
- Health Care Professionals. Enables health care professionals to generate an electronic accreditation ID and to check their accreditation and claims status.
Contact Information: PhilHealth Head Office
Queries and concerns about PhilHealth may be addressed to its Head Office through the following contact details:
Address: Citystate Centre, 709 Shaw Blvd, Pasig City, 1603 Metro Manila
Telephone: (02) 866-225-88
Email: actioncenter@philhealth.gov.ph
Website: https://www.philhealth.gov.ph/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhilHealthofficial/
Google Map:
In coordination with PhilHealth, OWWA is able to help facilitate quality and affordable health care for its member-OFWs and their families. Meanwhile, when it comes to educational programs and services, the agency works together with the Department of Education (DepEd). Visit this link to know more about this government agency.