Republic of the Philippines /”,
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:
Quezon City

19" CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NG.” 430

Introduced by REP. RAY FLORENCE REYES.

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR FREE ANNUAL MEDICAL CHECK-UP FOR FILIPINOS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Philippines recognizes the Right to Health as a fundamental human right
as the Constitution provides that the State shall protect and promote the right to health
‘of the people and instill health consciousness among them. The adoption of an
integrated and comprehensive approach to health development which shall endeavor
to make essential goods, health and other social services available to all the people
at affordable cost, is a duty of the State.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the many vulnerabilities of Filipinos, the
biggest being our overall health and weliness as the disease ravaged the country
resulting in numerous deaths, specifically among the vulnerable sectors, those with
pre-existing conditions and comorbidities. Many of these vulnerabilities, conditions
and comorbidities, could have been adequately addressed at their early stages.

According to a 2018 study by Dayrit, Lagrada, et al. published by the WHO,
care-seeking behavior among Filipinos is largely dictated by the ability to pay
(household income) and, because of financial constraints especially among the poor,
care-seeking is often delayed. [...] Until the condition becomes serious, the patient
may opt for self-care or take alternative remedies, including traditional healing.”

Therefore, as Filipinos have realized the value of one s health and wellness and
as our government continues to address the current health crisis, along with the roll
out of Republic Act No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care Act, there is a need to
shore up the country’s health response by providing an opportunity for Filipinos to
access preventive care without incurring additional financial costs.

This measure is an adoption of the bill filed by then-Rep. Michael Defensor of
ANAKalusugan Partylist and Senator Sonny Angara. Should this merit enactment,
Filipinos — who are automatically members of the National Health Insurance Program
(NHIP) of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) by virtue of R.A.
No. 11223 — would be able to access free annual medical check-ups which shall


include blood sugar and cholesterol tests. The program shall be created and managed
by PhilHealth and will ensure address the growing cost of healthcare in the country.

in view of the foregoing, reasons, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought

REP, ENCE REYES


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

19" CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO._430

Introduced by REP. RAY FLORENCE REYES

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR FREE ANNUAL MEDICAL CHECK-UP FOR FILIPINOS

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the
Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the Free Annual Medical
Check-Up Act of 2021”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — The State recognizes its duty to protect and
promote the right to health of the people. Pursuant to its duty, the State shall proviae
the services needed to ensure the health and wellness of every Filipino. Aside from
enhancing programs that focus on curative medicine, there should be emphasis on
improving the country s health care system in terms of preventive interventions and
strengthening the health-seeking behavior of citizens. In line with this, Filipinos shall
be entitled to an annual medical check-up, through the programs of the Philippine
Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), that is free of charge in any government
hospital and institution.

SEC. 3. Coverage.

A. Population Coverage. — Every Filipino citizen shall be covered by the free
annual medical check-up under this Act pursuant to Sec. 5 of R.A. No. 11223 or
the Universal Health Care Act.”

B. Medical Check-Up Coverage. - PhilHealth, in consultation with the Department
of Health (DOH), shall establish a program to provide Filipinos with free annual
medical check-up including, but not limited to, blood sugar and cholesterol tests:
Provided, That, prior to the availment of laboratory and/or diagnostic exams, the
patient must first be screened by a PhilHealth- accredited primary care provider
as stated under Sec. 6(d) of R.A. 11223 in order to evaluate the patient and
identify which laboratory and/or diagnostic exams should be administered:
Provided, further, That the availment of the laboratory and/or diagnostic exams
shall be through PhilHealth-accredited health care institutions (HCls): Provided,
furthermore, That, upon approval of the PhilHealth Board, these laboratory and/or


diagnostic exam shall be expanded subject to the availability of PhilHealth funds
and the current and emerging health necessities of Filipinos.

SEC. 4. Schedule of Free Medical Check-Up. - The duration of availing the
free medical check-up shall be for the whole calendar year. PhilHealth shall establish
a system to secure that every Filipino will be accommodated and get the services that
they are entitled to.

SEC. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations — PhilHealth shall be primarily
responsible in implementing the provisions of this Act. PhilHealth, in consultation with
DOH, shall promulgate the necessary implementing rules and regulations within thirty
(30) days upon effectivity of this Act

SEC. 6. Appropriations. — The amount necessary to implement this Act shall
be charged against the total revenue of PhilHealth, composed of premium
contributions from direct contributors and premium subsidies of the government for the
indirect contributors, of the year following its enactment into law and thereafter.

SEC. 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act is declared
invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall continue to
be in full force and effect.

SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. - All other laws, decrees, orders, other issuances,
rules and regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly

SEC. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation

Approved,