PhilHealth to senior citizens: Beware of fixers

The state-run health insurer urged all senior citizens to be vigilant of fixers who may be charging fees in exchange for their help in facilitating their enrolment with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

“In the first place, there really is no need to rush for enrolment since they can readily avail of PhilHealth benefits once they need it with or without a PhilHealth ID. They just need to present their senior citizen card and w have already coordinated with our accredited health care providers about this matter,” said Alexander A. Padilla, PhilHealth President and CEO.

Since the effectivity of the law on November 25, 2014, senior citizens are flocking to the Local Health Insurance Offices to enrol in the program which unfortunately creates an opportunity for fixers to capitalize on the vulnerability of some senior citizens.

“Do not deal with fixers. Enrollment in the program is free, wala po kayong dapat bayaran. Huwag ninyong hayaan na maging biktima kayo ng mga fixers,” stressed Padilla.

PhilHealth issued Circular 33, series of 2014 encouraging senior citizens to enrol with PhilHealth in coordination with their respective Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) or through any office designated by the Local Government, in localities where they reside. It also taps the Department of Social Welfare and Development, senior citizen organizations duly registered with appropriate national agency, any non-government organization or any non-profit private organizations to ensure coverage of senior citizens.

“We are encouraging bulk enrolment of senior citizens through OSCAs or any other recognized senior citizens groups. This will be more convenient for them,” emphasized Padilla. “Also, those who already have PhilHealth coverage under the Indigent or Sponsored Program need not register,” he added. (PhilHealth)