House overwhelmingly approves universal health care for all Filipinos
07-Sep-17, Manila Bulletin
The Universal Health Coverage Act will amend the Philippines National Health Insurance Act of 1995.
Under the bill, in-patient health services will be made available at zero co-payment for the non contributory group and for those who opt for basic accomomdation, and at fixed co-insurance rates for all who opt for higher types of accommodation.
Image: EPA / Manila Bulletin
Within three years every Filipino shall have a guaranteed primary care provider. Within two years, the Philippine Health Security Corporation will implement a comprehensive outpatient benefit, including outpatient drug benefit.
"The program shall serve as a means for the healthy to help pay for the care of the sick and for those who can afford medical care to subsidize those who cannot," the bill provides.