President Aquino signed into law a provision to give health cover to all seniors living in the Philippines.
The law removes the former qualification saying that a senior had to be an “indigent” before coverage could be implemented.
Under the new law, PhilHealth Insurance will cover any senior by just showing valid identification at any hospital covered under their care.
President Aquino III signed Republic Act #10645 on November 5, expanding the Senior Citizens Act of 2010.
Just over six million seniors, or those 60 years or above, will benefit from the new law.
PhilHealth is the government’s national health insurance programme aimed at providing affordable health care to Filipino citizens.
To many, the implementation of such a system is a welcome Christmas gift for 2014.