PWDs Can Now Be Exempted From Paying PhilHealth Contributions—Here's How

(SPOT.ph) For many persons with disabilities (PWD), a PWD ID makes it easier to enjoy benefits like discounts on medicines, hospital bills, meals, and educational assistance. Here's another benefit to add to the list: You no longer have to pay PhilHealth premiums if you qualify.

Under a law that provides automatic PhilHealth coverage, a recent PhilHealth circular outlined how qualified PWDs can finally enjoy the benefit without shouldering the cost.

PWD employees with a valid PWD ID will no longer have their PhilHealth premium share deducted from their pay. Instead, the employer and the national government will share the premiums equally.

Meanwhile, the national government will fully cover the share of PWDs who are self-employed and overseas Filipino workers with disabilities.

This comes as the government streamlines the Philippine Registry of Persons with Disabilities (PRPWD) and the newly launched Unified Persons with Disabilities ID System (UPWDIS) into the Unified PWD ID to speed up enrollment and benefit claims for the nearly three million PWDs in the country.

Also read: GUIDE: How to Apply for a PWD ID in the Philippines

You must have a valid PWD ID and be verified in the official PWD Registry to enjoy the waived premiums. These are issued through the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO) or the city or municipal Social Welfare offices of your respective LGU.

To get your PWD ID, accomplish the application form issued by the LGU. Submit this with a photocopy of a government ID with your address or barangay clearance, two 1x1 or 2x2 ID pictures with either your name and signature or thumbprint on the back, and a medical certificate from a licensed physician or, for mental health conditions, psychologist or psychiatrist detailing your disability or condition.

If you already have a PWD ID, just submit a printed copy of the PhilHealth Member Registration Form and a copy of your PWD ID to your employer. Your employer will also need to submit a certification confirming your employment as a PWD.

You can also submit the documents in person to your nearest PhilHealth Local Health Insurance Office.

Once registered, PhilHealth matches and verifies its member records with the PWD Registry so verified PWDS are automatically tagged as “Indirect Contributor” to enjoy the perks.

For employed PWDs, the subsidy starts in the month their employer submits the complete requirements. For non-employed PWDs, it starts in the calendar year their registration is verified.

If your record hasn't been verified, you'll be tagged "For Verification" and will have to continue paying your PhilHealth premiums until your registration is confirmed.

It's also helpful to have a PhilSys number as the PhilHealth Check Utility (PCU) relies on the system to check for registration, record updates, and YAKAP transactions. Those without PhilSys registration can present other valid proof of identity if verification fails.

Once UPWDIS becomes fully operational, existing PWD Registry records will be consolidated into the new system, which will serve as the basis for determining eligibility for PhilHealth premium subsidies.

Also read: Solo Parents, Your PhilHealth Share Can Now Be Fully Covered—Here’s How