Single parents may now enjoy free PhilHealth coverage
Single parents may now enjoy free coverage under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).
In its Circular 2024-0020, PhilHealth noted that Republic Act No. 11861 or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act automatically includes solo parents and their children to the National Health Insurance Program.
A solo parent shall be enrolled as a principal member under the "indirect contributor" membership type, with "solo parent" as a subtype.
The agency said the solo parent will be issued a revised PhilHealth membership registration form for the corresponding membership type and subtype.
But only those with valid solo parent identification card (SPIC) shall be registered or tagged as an indirect contributor, as a solo parent.
“The applicant shall be advised of the importance of securing first the SPIC from the solo parents' office/solo parents division of the concerned local government unit to update their membership record to PhilHealth,” a part of the circular read.
Solo parents, according to the law, are those who:
- gave birth due to rape, even without final conviction
- have a dead spouse
- have a spouse who's detained for at least three months
- have a spouse with physical or mental incapacity
- have been legally separated or underwent de facto separation for at least six months
- have declared nullity or annulment of marriage
- have been abandoned by the spouse for at least six months
- have a spouse who's an overseas Filipino worker in the low or semi-skilled category for 12 months straight
- serve as a guardian of an OFW's child/children
- are unmarried
- are legal guardians, adoptive, or foster parents
- are relatives within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity of the child's parent or legal guardian who died or disappeared for at least six months
- are pregnant
The Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act amended RA 8972 or the Solo Parents' Welfare Act of 2000.
It promotes the rights of Filipino solo parents, ensuring they're getting enough social protection programs.
