The acting president and chief executive officer of Philippine Health Insurance Corp.(Philhealth), Lorna Fajardo has good news for more than a million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) scattered around the globe  and their dependents. Hospitalization, doctor’s fees, and medicines can now be availed free as part of the valuable health care financing benefits of the National Health Insurance System of Philhealth.

An OFW updated on his or her Philhealth membership contributions is entitled to repayment of their hospitalization expenses according to the limits set by Philhealth. To avail of the benefits, the following must be submitted within 180 days:

• Philhealth Claim Form No. 1 (original),
• Valid Medicare eligibility Certificate,
• Receipt of Philhealth premium payment
• Official receipt of hospitalization bill
• Medical certificate from the doctor (must include the final diagnosis and dates of confinemen

To be a Philhealth member, an OFW must be properly documented with the POEA and pay the required yearly dues worth Php 900 through the Philippine consulate or embassy.

Another payment option is through the Philhealth Balikmanggagawa Processing Center at the POEA where relatives of the OFW can remit the contribution in his or her behalf. A document proving that one is an OFW such as a copy of the overseas employment contract is required.

Likewise, the government agency is continuously exerting efforts to better serve OFWs.

Last year Philhealth has allotted Php 362.2 million in benefits claims of OFWs and their dependents under the Overseas Workers Program (OWP). As compared to the Php 203.3 million paid out in 2005, the 2006 figure represents an increase of 17%.

Furthermore, claimants of OWP benefits do not have to wait for 60 processing days. Processing period for OWP claims is now shorter for only 20 to 30 days.

According to Fajardo, “There is a need to further strengthen the communication and networking efforts of Philhealth to ensure that members are updated on the developments of their Philhealth membership and benefits."

Fajardo also added that to strengthen Philhealth’s advocacy and aim to make their coverage universal, the agency has been working with different government agencies such as the Department of Health, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Labor and Employment, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

For detailed Philhealth benefits, log on to: www.philhealth.gov.ph/owp.htm