TACLOBAN CITY — Solo parents and their qualified dependents can access a wider range of health insurance benefits under a PhilHealth policy that provides government-funded contributions for eligible members and helps protect families from high medical expenses.
Miramar Zabala, head of the Public Affairs Unit, and Asisclo Militante, division chief of Field Operations of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Regional Office 8, discussed the expanded coverage, which falls under the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP), during their guesting at the weekly media conference initiated by IMNET held at the Madison Hotel and Resort, San Jose district, this city.
Under PhilHealth Circular No. 2026-0015, issued in September 2026, solo parents registered with the appropriate local government unit (LGU) office and holding a valid Solo Parent Identification Card (SPIC) may be registered as indirect contributors to the national health insurance program.
The policy implements provisions of Republic Act No. 11861, or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, which provides for government-funded PhilHealth contributions for eligible solo parents. For those employed in the formal economy, premium contributions are shared equally by their employers and the national government.
Militante said solo parents and their qualified dependents may avail themselves of PhilHealth’s benefit packages, subject to existing eligibility and validation requirements.
These include inpatient and outpatient services, the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP), which provides access to primary healthcare services, and the Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) program.
Eligible solo parents and their dependents may also benefit from applicable No Co-payment and No Balance Billing policies, which protect qualified patients from additional charges for covered services, subject to PhilHealth rules and requirements.
The coverage extends to qualified dependents, including eligible children and other dependents recognized under existing regulations.
The initiative complements the Universal Health Care Act, or Republic Act No. 11223, which aims to ensure that Filipinos have access to quality and affordable healthcare without suffering undue financial hardship.
Zabala reminded solo parents to ensure that their status is properly documented and their PhilHealth membership records are updated to facilitate registration and access to benefits.
Eligible individuals are encouraged to coordinate with their respective LGU Solo Parents Office or Solo Parents Division to secure or validate their identification cards and confirm their membership information.
The expanded coverage is intended to strengthen financial protection for solo parents, who often shoulder the responsibilities of raising their children and managing household expenses without a partner.
Through the policy, PhilHealth seeks to help eligible solo-parent families obtain essential medical care while reducing the financial burden associated with healthcare needs.
(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)
