QUEZON CITY (PIA) — The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is studying the possibility of extending the state health insurer’s coverage to vision-impaired members and those with mobility problems.
During the Sept. 25 episode of Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon aired on PTV 4, Dr. Israel Francis A. Pargas, Senior Vice President of PhilHealth-Health Finance Policy Sector, said they are conducting a study on the coverage of prescription glasses and assistive devices, including crutches, canes, or walkers, as well as making a financial impact analysis of the measure.
He said they are doing the study, expecting they will be able to finish it before 2024 ends, and the coverage will take effect starting in 2025.
Initially, the proposed coverage was only intended for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
He pointed out that the study was in response to the request and guidance of Congress.
The study will be done for all those who actually need prescription glasses and mobility aids, he added.
Pargas pointed out that the request for PhilHealth coverage is also in line with the Universal Health Care Law, mandating the agency to provide comprehensive benefits for all members.
Pressed to elaborate on how the devices can be availed, Dr. Pargas said they are still working on the details.
But he emphasized the importance of providing members with devices to help them with their vision and mobility problems.
PhilHealth’s aim is to make vision-impaired individuals and PWDs become self-confident and provide them with the needed assistance to move easily and give them the opportunity to be productive, he added. (PIA-DMD)
