A party-list lawmaker hailed the final reading approval of a bill exempting overseas Filipino workers from mandatory PhilHealth contribution.
The lower chamber approved House Bill 11357 which amends Republic Act No. 11223, or the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act.
Rep. Marissa del Mar Magsino of OFW party-list group said such exemption extended to OFWs was a “crucial amendment.”
Magsino, a principal author of the measure, said one of the key amendments states that OFWs, both land- and sea-based, will no longer be required to pay direct premium contributions.
Instead, 50 percent will be shouldered by the national government and the other 50 percent will be shared by their employers.
“Many people think that OFWs, especially those who have been working abroad for a long time, have the means of life, but they do not know that not all OFWs can afford to pay extra expenses to Philhealth, especially those in elementary occupations,” she said.
Magsino added: “Many of our OFWs already have medical coverage in the country where they work, so it will be an extra burden on them if they are mandatory contributors to PhilHealth.”
The amendment also states that unpaid premium contributions of OFWs in distress shall not be collected upon their arrival in the country.
“Removing this financial burden on our OFWs is equitable and justified by the unique nature of their overseas employment. Our OFWs comprise a significant segment of Philippine labor force and accounts for about 10 percent of the GDP of the country in a year. Their remittances help fuel our economy and provide lifelines to thousands of OFW families and their dependents,” Magsino said.