PhilHealth to OFWs: Update records before leaving country

Rappler.com

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PhilHealth to OFWs: Update records before leaving country
PhilHealth issues the reminder following 'misconceptions' that PhilHealth contributions are no longer necessary due to the POEA's single collection policy, which began April 1


MANILA, Philippines –  The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has reminded overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are members to update their records before leaving the country.

PhilHealth issued the reminder following “misconceptions” that PhilHealth contributions are “no longer necessary” due to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration’s (POEA) single collection policy, which began April 1. 

“We want to emphasize among Overseas Filipinos (OFs) that PhilHealth membership is mandatory and that premium contributions may be paid through any of our accredited collecting partners nationwide prior to securing their overseas employment certificates,” said PhilHealth President and CEO Alexander Padilla.

The PhilHealth chief emphasized that OFWs can use their memberships in health care facilities abroad, and that their legal dependents in the Philippines can avail of benefits as well – but only if records are up-to-date.

Updating records is needed when an OFW makes changes to his or her profile, including the addition or removal of dependents, address changes, and corrections in spelling. Changes can be made through PhilHealth’s Member Registration Form (PMRF), which can be downloaded from the website and submitted to any regional or local office, or emailed to ofp@philhealth.gov.ph 

“The annual premium contribution rate for land-based OFWs is P2,400 and already includes coverage for all qualified legal dependents,” PhilHealth said in a press statement.

“Entitlement to health care benefits for OFWs and dependents begins on the day the premium is paid,” it added. 

OFWs can pay their premium contributions through any accredited collecting agents across the country, including the post office, as well as existing payment centers abroad. 

As of December 2014, OFWs have received at least P1.2 billion in PhilHealth benefits. – Rappler.com 

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