OFW wives to get PhilHealth benefits

MANILA -- Wives of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) may be entitled to childbirth benefits in the Philippines provided their husbands register as members, according to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

According to PhilHealth Vice-President and Corporate Affairs Group Spokesperson Greg Rulloda, the childbirth benefits have been expanded to include pre-natal, maternity, and newborn care.

Members can expect greater portability by having access to medical care in any accredited hospital or medical professional in the Philippines. OFWs outside the country are covered; however members or their employers must set the medical bills initially, added Rulloda.

PhilHealth members’ dependents must be legal wives (Muslims may have more than one legal spouse), children not older than 21 years, children with congenital disabilities, or non-member parents not younger than 60.

PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Eduardo Banzon urged male OFWs in a news release to register as members to extend coverage to their spouses and children.

Members’ wives may expect benefits including P8,000 for each normal spontaneous delivery (up to P32,000 for four births) in a level 1 hospital or lying-in clinic or P6,500 for each normal spontaneous delivery (up to P26,000 for four births) in hospitals that are in categorized as levels 2 to 4. Those giving birth in level 2 to 4 hospitals via non-elective caesarean section, may expect a one-time P19,000 benefit. New mothers are also entitled to P1,750 in additional newborn care benefit for infant screening, weighing, hearing test, vitamin K administration, and an initial hepatitis B immunization dose.

According to Banzon, the amounts are meant to defray the cost of prenatal care, clinic or hospital dues, and the professional fee of the attending doctor or midwife in accredited hospitals or clinics.

Childbirth benefits may be enjoyed in addition to existing benefits of members and qualified dependents, added Banzon. He noted that if a different dependent required medical care, he or she will still be entitled, even if the member’s spouse is drawing childbirth benefits. Moreover, OFW members are entitled to benefits in the Philippines, should they require medical attention while in the country. (HY)