#AnimateED: Seniors and silver linings

Who would have expected that in the midst of our woes – from the derelict MRT to  Vice President Jejomar Binay’s mega-corruption scandal – government would spring a pleasant surprise?  

President Benigno Aquino III, on November 5, signed into law Republic Act 10645 which provides 6 million senior citizens blanket coverage by PhilHealth or the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. As soon as one reaches 60, the Philhealth lifeline continues. In the past, the law mandated that only indigent senior citizens could avail themselves of Philhealth benefits.

We revel in this good news. RA 10645 is a silver lining for the silver-haired or 6.8% of the country’s population. 

Senator Ralph Recto, author of this law, shows that social protection for vulnerable sectors is alive in the legislative agenda. He has moved it a step forward, contributing to the national goal to achieve universal health care. 

This is one case wherein the executive and legislative branches are in sync – and we all gain from it. 

While our parents, grandparents, siblings 60 and above will directly benefit from this legislation, it will have ripple effects on the younger population. It will give a sense of security, some assurance that, as our loved ones age, health care will not be beyond the reach of their aching arms and brittle fingers.  

Some of our compatriots overseas have started to give up on our country, preferring to retire in their adopted homes. They say that health care here is expensive because government health insurance for seniors is practically nil. Private health insurance companies charge hefty sums for older age groups. 

This new law comes as a small blessing, a little enticement for them to spend the rest of their lives here. Still, there are other struggles to contend with, starting with day-to-day traffic, but there are tender mercies, too, like this new law.

It is not often that we applaud government. But this is one of those times we do, for putting public good above all else. – Rappler.com