Good news! Single parents may now benefit from free coverage provided by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).
Photo: Freepik
According to Circular 2024-0020, PhilHealth stated that the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act or the Republic Act (RA) 11861 automatically includes solo parents and their children in the National Health Insurance Program.
Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymond Villafuerte, the principal author of RA 11861, has expanded the benefits and coverage for single parents.
Additionally, all single parents who are registered with the Solo Parents Offices (SPOs) or Solo Parent Divisions (SPDs) in their respective cities or municipalities qualify for this benefit.
However, single parents who do not meet the required criteria outlined may not be eligible for these benefits. Therefore, solo parents need to enroll as principal members under the “indirect contributor” membership type, with “solo parent” as a subtype to enjoy these benefits.
The Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act or RA 11861 is an act that provides additional benefits to single parents by offering them and their children benefits and privileges. This act amended RA 8972 or the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000.
This act includes a parent who has to provide solo parental care due to the following circumstances: birth as a consequence of rape, death of the spouse, detention of the spouse for at least three months, legal separation for at least six months, declaration of nullity or annulment of marriage, and abandonment by the spouse for at least six months.
Moreover, this act includes a spouse or any family of an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) who belongs to the low/semi-skilled worker category and has been away from the Philippines for 12 consecutive months. It also covers unmarried mothers or fathers who raise their children, any legal guardian, adoptive or foster parent providing for their child, and pregnant women who provide solo parental care to their unborn child or children.
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