What happens when you can’t communicate a healthcare decision in the event of a medical emergency? Most of us wouldn’t have to think too much about it, as long as the decision is consensual and involves a trusted family member, spouse, or even your attorney.
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But for queer couples in the Philippines, their significant others may not be able to serve as a “healthcare proxy”—someone who can make decisions on their behalf when they’re unable to communicate them themselves. This may no longer be the case, as queer couples in Quezon City can now access the Right to Care (RTC) program online.
Through this program, eligible applicants must submit the necessary requirements and schedule a mandatory orientation online.
To qualify, at least one or both partners must be a Quezon City resident. They must also have a valid QCitizen ID and an account on the QC eServices portal.
But what about queer couples not residing in Quezon City? PhilHealth is also set to update its official membership form, where queer couples can now declare their significant others as a “health proxy.”
According to PhilHealth vice president Joseph Anthony Lachica, this move will help individuals like the queer community, as well as solo parents and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), to have better access to healthcare services.
Watch this video to learn more about this new policy:
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ALSO READ: These 9 Queer Filipino Artists Deserve a Spot in Your Playlists—Here’s Why
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