DBM releases almost P43B for health insurance to over 8M senior citizens
BUTUAN CITY -- Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman has approved the release of a total of P42,931,355,000 to cover one-year health insurance premiums of senior citizens nationwide.
The Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) and its corresponding Notice of Cash Allocation (NCA) were approved by the Budget Secretary on 04 April 2023.
A total of 8,586,271 enrolled senior citizens are expected to benefit from the allotment.
“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,” the secretary said.
“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. [It is but proper to help our grandparents to remain strong and healthy]. ” Pangandaman added.
Under the Fiscal Year 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 for the enrollment of all senior citizens who are not currently covered by any existing category shall be sourced from the National Health Insurance Fund of PhilHealth and from the proceeds of Republic Act No. 10351 or the Sin Tax Law. (DBM/PIA Caraga)
