MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte has signed a law that makes Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) coverage mandatory for all persons with disability (PWDs), according to a copy of the measure released by the Palace on Monday.

Duterte signed last Feb. 22 Republic Act No. 11228, which amends RA 7277 or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability.


The law amends Section 20-A of the law to state that all PWDs shall be automatically covered under the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) of the PhilHealth and that the PhilHealth shall develop exclusive packages for PWDs that will address their specific health and development needs.

Under the new provision, premium contributions for all PWDs shall be paid by the national government. The premium contributions of PWD members in the formal economy shall be shared equally by their employers and the national government.

The Department of Health, in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Labor and Employment, the National Council for Disability Affairs, local government units, and other relevant government agencies, shall conduct a periodic monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the newly signed measure. These agencies shall also craft the implementing rules and regulations within three months upon the effectivity of the law.

The President recently signed the Universal Health Care Act, a measure that ensures all Filipinos are guaranteed equitable access to quality and affordable health goods and services and protection against financial risks.

• Health care for all: Duterte signs Universal Healthcare Act