Press Release
March 7, 2007

ANGARA BATS FOR EXPANDED PHILHEALTH COVERAGE FOR SENIORS

Reelectionist Sen. Edgardo Angara has vowed to expand the coverage of Philhealth to include more ailments and more beneficiaries.

Angara, the principal author of the Philhealth Law, noted that almost 2 million senior citizens who were not employed before and were not covered by the Social Security System or the Government Service Insurance System, do not have any health insurance.

He pointed out that senior citizens are more susceptible to ailments and diseases and those who have never been members of the GSIS or SSS would be in dire straits in securing health services unless the Philhealth Law is amended.

Angara proposed that senior citizens with an annual income of not more than P120,000 be given health insurance for free.

"Philhealth should also cover more ailments and out-patient treatments," he added.

He noted that some ailments could be treated for about three or four hours without need for confinement in hospitals.

"We should review this policy on hospital confinement. Cataracts can be operated in a few hours without need for hospital confinement. Psychiatric treatment is now like a headache because of the stress and strain of daily living, yet it is not covered," he lamented.

Angara, the most senior incumbent senator, said that there should be a continuing review of the law on health insurance with the view of eventually making it universal.

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