In accordance with the directive of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo to improve the social services for the disadvantaged and marginalized sectors of society especially the  orphans under its custody, the Department has intensified the implementation of an agreement it has forged with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) for the provision of health insurance coverage to children in DSWD centers and institutions.

Around 3,528 children, as of June 2016,  are expected to be enlisted under PhilHealth.  DSWD-Field Offices are currently undergoing enlisting of these children.

In Region IX alone, a total of 210 orphans have been registered in the national health insurance corporation and will receive PhilHealth privileges as indigent members including Primary Care Benefit 1 (PCB 1), No Balance Billing (NBB), and other inpatient and outpatient discounts and services.

The children beneficiaries are at present sheltered in four child-caring institutions managed by the DSWD FO-IX, namely: the Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC), the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY), Balay Dangpanan sa Kabataan (BDSK) or the Home for Girls, and Haven for Women.

Children below 21 years old are enrolled as a group of three, while those who are beyond 21 years of age are enrolled individually.

Furthermore, the DSWD will pay the prescribed annual premium contribution of P2,400 per group or individual.

“Patuloy pang palalakasin ng departamento ang mga serbisyo para sa mga kabataang nasa pangangalaga nito sa pamamagitan ng pakikipag-tulungan sa iba’t-ibang ahensiya tulad nga ng Philhealth.  Ito ay upang agarang matugunan natin ang kanilang mga pangunahing pangangailangan, kasama na rito ang pangangalaga sa kanilang kalusugan. Kasabay rin  nito ay ang pagsasaayos ng mga pasilidad ng ating mga centers at institutions upang maibigay  natin ang matapat, maagap at mapagkalingang serbisyo na nararapat para sa mga nasa bulnerableng sector ng ating lipunan (The Department will continue to strengthen its services for children under its custody by partnering with other agencies like Philhealth. This is to immediately address their basic needs, including their health care needs. Relative to this, we will also continue to improve the facilities of DSWD-run centers and institutions to provide honest, prompt and compassionate service for those in the vulnerable sector of the society),” said Sec. Taguiwalo.

Sec. Taguiwalo also emphasized that it is important that the Department will have sufficient budget to cover for the benefits, such as this health coverage, of center residents to ensure their total recovery and rehabilitation.

At present, the DSWD manages 59 centers for  abandoned and neglected children nationwide. ###