As humans, everybody ages and become weak. As old age often associated with health issues like slowing metabolism, deteriorating immune system and other illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, arthritis among others, people at their retirement age also known as senior citizens need help especially on their medical needs. Even Filipinos who work overseas (OFW) will also eventually come to their retirement and head home for good.
The Philippine government has provided services for the senior citizens in forms of privileges and cash assistance through SSS, GSIS, Philhealth etc.
What sort of help could our senior citizens get from the government and how to claim it?
The Philippine government has provided services for the senior citizens in forms of privileges and cash assistance through SSS, GSIS, Philhealth etc.
What sort of help could our senior citizens get from the government and how to claim it?
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According to Attorney Romulo Macalintal, a senior citizens right advocate, all senior citizens are automatically considered as a Philhealth member under the law even without being registered. It means that those who are 60 years old and above can enjoy privileges and discounts from Philhealth like the regular members enjoy.
Although they can avail these privileges just by showing a government-issued identification card such as SSS ID, TIN, passport, drivers license etc., provided that the name photo and birth date appear in the card, it is also better that the senior citizens should also register at the agency to avail hospitalization benefits and their 20% discount on medicine.
The premium contributions of the Senior Citizen will be provided by the government from the proceeds of the Sin Tax Law or Republic Act No. 10351.
Although they can avail these privileges just by showing a government-issued identification card such as SSS ID, TIN, passport, drivers license etc., provided that the name photo and birth date appear in the card, it is also better that the senior citizens should also register at the agency to avail hospitalization benefits and their 20% discount on medicine.
The premium contributions of the Senior Citizen will be provided by the government from the proceeds of the Sin Tax Law or Republic Act No. 10351.
How can the Senior Citizens Avail this benefit?
In hospitals with installed HCI Portal, Senior Citizens only need to present their senior citizen card, MDR or any accepted proof of identity and age. The Hospital shall print a PhilHealth Benefit Eligibility Form (PBEF). A PBEF that says “YES” means that the patient is entitled to the benefits and shall serve as a basis for automatic deduction.
In case the hospital has no HCI portal installed, or the PBEF says “NO”, or the senior citizen was not able to enroll before discharge, the following should be attached to the usual claim documents:
a. duly accomplished PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF); and
b. an acceptable proof of status as a senior citizen, including but not limited to the Senior Citizens' Identification Card.
In hospitals with installed HCI Portal, Senior Citizens only need to present their senior citizen card, MDR or any accepted proof of identity and age. The Hospital shall print a PhilHealth Benefit Eligibility Form (PBEF). A PBEF that says “YES” means that the patient is entitled to the benefits and shall serve as a basis for automatic deduction.
In case the hospital has no HCI portal installed, or the PBEF says “NO”, or the senior citizen was not able to enroll before discharge, the following should be attached to the usual claim documents:
a. duly accomplished PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF); and
b. an acceptable proof of status as a senior citizen, including but not limited to the Senior Citizens' Identification Card.