Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

First Regular Session
FIFTEENTH CONGRESS

House Bill No. S142

Introduced by Rep. Maria Carmen Zamora-Apsay

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Republic Act No. 7883 granted benefits and incentives to 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.

Curiously left out is the provision of health care benefits 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 is affordable, acceptable, available and accessible.

The immediate and favorable passage of this bill is earnestly requested.

MARIA CARME! MORA-APSAY


BORE

rs
SeaowTs

di
12

43

14
15:

16
17

18

20

21
22

Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRE: TATIVES
Quezon Ci

First Regular Session
FIFTEENTH CONGRESS

House BillNo,__— 3 242

Introduced by Rep. Maria Carmen Zamora-Apsay

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)

d_by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
embled: i

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 to as the Program, under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation

(Philhealth). ‘|

2, Declaration of Policy:—Section Hl, Article XIII of the 1987 Constitution
declares that the State shalk adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health
development which shal] endeavor to make essential goods, health and other social
services available to alf’the people at affordable cost. Priority for the needs of the
underprivileged, sick eldgily. disabled women and children shall be recognized.
Likewise, it shall be the polity of the State to provide free medical care to paupers.

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

SEC. 4. Enrollment. All Barangay Health Workers shall enroll in the Program in
order for them to be placed under coverage that entitles them to avail of the benefits and
financial assistance provided therein; Provided, That the beneficiaries under this Act shall
be issued appropriate documentation specifying eligibility to benefits and indicating how
benefit was obtained or is, being maintained.

SEC. 5. Contriburions—The Department of Health shall pay the monthly
contribution of the barangay day care workers enrolled under the Program

SEC. 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,


ur one

H.B. NO. 3,49 -1-
SEC. 7. Repealing Clause-—All laws, decrees, rules and regulations, and

executive orders contrary or inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified
accordingly

SEC 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,