All Filipino Solo Parents, including their children or dependents under the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP), now have automatic coverage from PhilHealth, the agency’s circular signed on September 23 indicated.
Under Section 2(a) of the Republic Act (RA) No. 1186, or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, Solo parents and their dependents will be provided with automatic coverage under the NHIP administered by PhilHealth.
Premium contributions to the agency will be paid by the National Government, provided that solo parents’ premium contributions are equally shared by their employers and the National Government.
The PhilHealth circular covers the NHIP membership registration, updating premium contributions, and benefits of Filipino solo parents, including their children or dependents as registered either in the Solo Parent Office (SPO) or the Solo Parent Division (SPD) of their respective City or Municipality.
Moreover, solo parents shall be enrolled with PhilHealth as a principal member under the “Indirect Contributor” as membership type, and “Solo Parent” as a subtype. A revised PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF) shall be issued to eligible members.
However, only those with a valid Solo Parent Identification Card (SPIC) will be tagged as “Indirect Contributors - Solo Parent,” according to the circular.
Due to this, solo parents are advised to secure the SPIC from the SPO/SPD of their respective government offices to update their membership record to PhilHealth. Members can register either as walk-ins or through automatic registration through the database.
The PhilHealth circular will immediately take effect upon its publication in the Official Gazette.
