DBM releases P43B for senior citizens’ health insurance coverage

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Tuesday said it has released nearly P43 billion to cover one-year health insurance premiums of senior citizens nationwide.

In a statement, the DBM said Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman approved a total of P42,931,355,000 Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) and its corresponding Notice of Cash Allocation (NCA) on April 4, 2023.

“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. Dapat lamang na patuloy nating tulungan ang ating mga lolo at mga lola na manatiling malakas at malusog (We should continue to help keep our grandparents strong and healthy),” said Pangandaman.

A total of 8,586,271 enrolled senior citizens are expected to benefit from the allotment, the DBM said.

Under the 2023 General Appropriations Act (GAA), P79,002,185,000 is allocated to cover the payment of health insurance premiums of indirect contributors, including seniors.

Pursuant to Republic Act No. 10645, otherwise known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, all senior citizens shall be covered by the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) of PhilHealth.

Funds necessary to ensure the enrollment of all senior citizens not currently covered by any existing category shall be sourced from the National Health Insurance Fund of PhilHealth from the proceeds of Republic Act No. 10351 or the Sin Tax Law. —VAL, GMA Integrated News