PhilHealth covers BJMP detainees

The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) has decided to include persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) under the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) among its beneficiaries, allowing them access to health insurance and medical benefits.

“With the help of the BJMP, PDLs will be registered with PhilHealth as indigent members,” PhilHealth announced.

“They will also be issued identification cards and Member Data Records, enrolled in the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP), and given access to health information and benefits,” the state health insurer added.

PDLs held in BJMP detention facilities are individuals facing criminal charges whose cases remain pending in court. They have yet to be convicted of any crime.

Upon conviction, those sentenced to imprisonment may be transferred to facilities under the Bureau of Corrections.

PhilHealth classifies indigent members as individuals whose contributions are paid by other individuals, government agencies or private entities.

The category also covers members of the informal economy who do not qualify for the full premium subsidy under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) means test.

Other groups included in the indigent category are orphans, abandoned children, abused minors, out-of-school youth, street children, persons with disabilities, senior citizens and battered women under the care of the DSWD or its accredited institutions, including non-government organizations and nonprofit private organizations. Their premium contributions are shouldered by the DSWD.

Barangay health workers, nutrition scholars, barangay tanods and other barangay workers and volunteers are also covered, with their premiums fully paid by their respective local government units.

The category likewise includes women who are about to give birth but are not yet enrolled in PhilHealth.