Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS

___ Regular Session

6527

House Bill No..

Introduced by Rep. EVELIO R. LEONARDIA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Based on the 2010 census, about 7 million — aged 60 years old and over —
comprise our population. They are provided with benefits and privileges through
the following legislation: Republic Act No. 7432, or the Expanded Senior Citizens
Act of 2003, RA 9994, an amendment to RA 7432 to include additional services,
and RA 10645, an amendment to RA 9994 to provide mandatory PhilHealth
coverage for all senior citizens.

However, the elderly ageing 75 and more have even less in means or no
income at all and more sickly than their younger brothers ageing 60 years to 74.
Those who have reached 75 years indeed deserve more discount if not free, on
medical-related expenditures, specifically, hospital-related purchases and
services.

The 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines states with high
regard in Article XIII, Section 11 that “The State shall adopt 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. There shall be priority for the needs of the underprivileged sick,
elderly, disabled, women, and children. xxx’.

As such, the approval of this Bill is earnestly sought.

REP. EVELIO R. LEONARDIA
Lone District, Bacolod City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
__ Regular Session

House Bill No,_ 6527

Introduced by Rep. EVELIO R. LEONARDIA

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR FREE HOSPITAL COVERAGE AND DISCOUNT ON
OUTPATIENT EXPENSES FOR ALL SENIOR CITIZENS, AMENDING FOR THE
PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7432, AS AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT NO.
10645, AND REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9994, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE
“EXPANDED SENIOR CITIZENS ACT OF 2010”.

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

Section 1. Amendment. Section 4 of Republic Act No. 7432, as amended, is
hereby further amended to read as follows:

“Section 4. Privileges for the Senior Citizens. - The senior
citizens shall be entitled to the following:

00

g) upon reaching the age of 75 years and above, to pay only
10% of outpatient expenses incurred in all government hospitals,
including Local Government Agencies’ health facilities located
anywhere in the country; and

h) upon reaching the age of 75 years and above, to be free
from all charges incidental to confinement in all government
hospitals, Local Government Agencies’ health facilities located
anywhere in the country, the confinement being not more than
ninety (90) days, provided, that if the confinement is more than nine
(90) days, the senior citizen shall only pay 50% of the charge.”

Section 2. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules
and regulations, or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby
repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

Section 3. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,