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| DBM allocates P42.9B for senior citizen health insurance premiums, benefiting over 8.5 million enrolled citizens. Photo: DBM |
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary, Amenah Pangandaman, has approved a total of P42,931,355,000 to fund the health insurance premium of senior citizens across the country for one year.
The Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) and its corresponding Notice of Cash Allocation (NCA) were approved by the Budget Secretary on April 4, 2023.
A total of 8,586,271 enrolled senior citizens are expected to benefit from the allocation.
"From the start, the directive of President Bongbong Marcos has been very clear— this government must ensure that our senior citizens have the support and resources they need to thrive," said Sec. Pangandaman.
"Our elderly will always remain vital members of our society who have spent many of their productive years not only in improving the lives of their family members but also in contributing to their communities. It is only right that we continue to help our grandfathers and grandmothers to remain strong and healthy," added Sec. Pangandaman.
Under the FY 2023 General Appropriations Act (GAA), a total of P79,002,185,000 has been allocated to pay for the health insurance premium of indirect contributors, including senior citizens.
In accordance with Republic Act No. 10645, also known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, all senior citizens are covered by the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) of PhilHealth.
The funds needed to ensure the enrollment of all senior citizens who are not yet covered by any existing category will come from PhilHealth's National Health Insurance Fund from the total collection of Republic Act No. 10351 or the Sin Tax Law. —iTacloban (Source: PIA)