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

Fifteenth Congress
First Regular Session

House sino. 3405

Introduced by: Honorable GEORGE P. ARNAIZ

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Republic Act No. 7883 granted benefits and incentives io
barangay health workers who have undergone the appropriate
training programs to voluntarily render primary healthcare services in
the community and were accredited to function as such by the local
health board in accordance with the guidelines promulgated by the
Department of Health.

Among these benefits are the hazard allowance, subsistence
allowance, educational programs, scholarship grants, special training
programs, civil service eligibility upon qualification, free legal services
and preferential access to loan services.

Unfortunately, the provision of health care benefits has been left
out for these commendable individuals who provide accessible and
acceptable health services anchored on the Primary Health Care
Approach of government.

This measure makes up for the want by mandating the Barangay
Health Workers coverage in the National Health Insurance Program
under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. At the very least,
they and their dependents will be ensured of quality health care
services that are affordable, acceptable, availabl: ccessible

The immediate and favorable pa:

bill is earnestly
requested.

Representative
24 District, Oriental Negros


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

Fifteenth Congress
First Regular Session

House sittno. 3405

Introduced by: Honorable GEORGE P. ARNAIZ

AN ACT
REQUIRING THE MANDATORY COVERAGE OF ALL BARANGAY HEALTH
WORKERS IN THE NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM (NHIP)
UNDER THE PHILIPPINE HEALTH INSURANCE CORPORATION (PHILHEALTH)

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the
hiliopines in Congress assem :

SECTION 1. Objective. - This Act seeks to provide for the
mandatory coverage of all Barangay Health Workers in the National
Health Insurance Program (NHIP), hereinafter referred fo as the
Program, under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation
(PhilHealth).

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - Section II, Article XIll of the
1987 Constitution declares 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. Priority for the needs of
the underprivileged, sick elderly, disabled women and children shall be
recognized. Likewise, it shall be the policy of the State to provide free
medical care to paupers.

SECTION 3. Coverage. - All duly-accredited Barangay Health
Workers under Presidential Decree 1569 shall be covered by the
Program,

SECTION 4. Enrollment. - All Barangay Health Workers shall be
enrolled in the National Health Insurance Program in order for them to
be placed under coverage that entitles them to avail of the benefits
and financial assistance provided therein.


SECTION 5. Contributions. - The Department of Health shall pay
the monthly contribution of the barangay health workers enrolled
under the Program.

SECTION 6. Appropriation. - The funds necessary for the
implementation of this Act shall be appropriated from the national
budget and shall be included in the annual General Appropriations
Act as part of the budget of the Department of Health.

SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, rules and
regulations, and executive orders contrary or inconsistent with this Act
are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect upon its
approval and completion of its publication in at least two (2) national
newspapers of general circulation,

Approved,