PhilHealth assures solo parents of healthcare services coverage
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) – Solo parents are assured of accessible and comprehensive healthcare services as Republic Act No. 11223 or the law on Universal Health Care guarantees their automatic membership in the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), in line with the national government’s directive to ensure equitable access to healthcare for all Filipinos.
The initiative also supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s thrust to strengthen the country’s healthcare system through inclusive and people-centered programs, particularly for vulnerable sectors such as solo parents.
In observance of Solo Parents Week, themed “Hindi Ka Nag-iisa sa Iyong Pag-iisa: Yakap at Kalinga para sa Solo Parent,” PhilHealth Caraga highlighted its expanded support mechanisms, categorizing solo parents as indirect contributors to the national health insurance program.
Jocelyn E. Cañete, field operations division chief of PhilHealth Caraga, explained that solo parents are already covered and can readily access services by presenting their solo parent ID and PhilHealth identification number (PIN) at any PhilHealth office or accredited health facility.
“As long as you have your PhilHealth number, you can avail of the benefits,” Cañete emphasized during the Kapihan sa PIA held at SM City Butuan on April 21.
She added that solo parents and their qualified dependents are entitled to a wide range of benefits, including outpatient and inpatient services, as well as specialized packages such as the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) and the Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT). Members may also avail of the zero balance billing policy in public hospitals, while those seeking care in private facilities can receive applicable discounts.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga reported that the province of Agusan del Norte has 3,680 registered solo parents among the 13,119 across the Caraga region.
Jessie Catherine B. Aranas, chief of the Protective Services Division of DSWD Caraga, presented the data during the Kapihan sa PIA, underscoring the growing number of beneficiaries of government programs for solo parents.
Cañete further assured that qualified dependents of solo parents are equally covered under PhilHealth benefits. These include children, parents aged 60 years old and above, adopted children, and foster children under the care of the solo parent.
“Qualified dependents are granted the same benefit packages, including access to outpatient and inpatient services,” she said.
To further expand access to services, PhilHealth Caraga encouraged solo parents to avail of healthcare assistance during the April 23–24, 2026, one-stop shop service caravan at Gaisano City Mall, Butuan, and on April 27, 2026, in Surigao City.
PhilHealth services, including the programs on YAKAP and GAMOT, will be made available during the caravan, bringing government assistance closer to solo parents, dependents, and their families. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
