PhilHealth extends coverage to 36,111 inmates

By: Philippine News Agency
September 23, 2012 8:39 AM

MANILA – The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) for the enrollment of 36,111 inmates into social health insurance.

Dr. Eduardo Banzon, PhilHealth president and chief executive officer, said the beneficiaries will come from seven Prison and Penal Farms managed by BuCor, namely: New Bilibid Prison, Muntinlupa City; Correctional Institution for Women, Mandaluyong City; Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro; Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm; Leyte Regional Prison, Abuyog, Leyte; Davao Prison and Penal Farm, Davao del Norte; and San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm, Zamboanga City.

Banzon said under the MOA, BuCor shall fully or partially subsidize the premium contributions of its identified beneficiaries.

Aside from payment of premium contributions, it shall also ensure the accreditation or contracting of public health institutions and facilities under its jurisdiction in accordance with the accreditation standards of PhilHealth.

The signing ceremony, held at the Director’s Quarters of the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa, was led by Banzon and and BuCor acting Director Gaudencio Pangilinan.

Banzon said that even the family members of the inmates will be able to avail of benefit packages of PhilHealth.

“Extending PhilHealth benefit to these inmates shall eventually provide them the peace of mind having the assurance that the health of their family is well taken care of while they are serving their prison term,” he said.