Step-By-Step: How To Apply For A PhilHealth ID

If you've previously applied for a job, you may have already encountered the words "PhilHealth identification." For those who are new to the workforce, this is often an unfamiliar term. Chances are, you've probably wondered: What's the purpose of this ID in the first place? How do I sign up to get one? Well, we've got you covered. Below, we discuss the ins and outs of applying for a PhilHealth ID.

What is a PhilHealth ID?

Before we proceed, perhaps the best way to start this guide is by telling you what exactly a PhilHealth ID is. In Administrative Order 2013-0025, the Department of Health defines it as the "unique and permanent number issued to any client upon enrolment/membership registration to the National Health Insurance Program of the Corporation for purposes of identification, eligibility verification, and utilization recording." Essentially, it is proof that you are a PhilHealth member and allows you to avail of the organization's health insurance and benefits.

Who is eligible for a PhilHealth ID?

Technically, any Filipino citizen is entitled to an ID (yes, even non-employees) *BUT* you must first become a PhilHealth member. If you're looking to register, take a look at the steps below:

How to become a PhilHealth member:

1. Look for a Health Insurance Office or PhilHealth Express branch within your area.

2. Prior to your visit, you must prepare two copies of the PhilHealth Member Registration Form. This document will contain personal information like your name, address, and family background among others.

3. Prepare the following requirements:  two valid government IDs or your (NSO) birth certificate, and two 1x1 recent passport photos. (Read: 11 Tricks To Looking Good In Your Passport Photo)

4. Submit your complete PhilHealth Member Registration Form to the officer-in-charge at your chosen Health Insurance Office or PhilHealth Express outlet.

5. After they process your forms, you will be given a Member Data Record and PhilHealth number. You will also be required to pay a contribution depending on your monthly basic salary.

Note: For employees, it is advisable to coordinate with your Human Resources department as they should be responsible for arranging this.

What type of PhilHealth ID can I apply for?

Once you've settled your membership, there are two types of IDs available: the Regular PhilHealth ID and the Digitized PhilHealth Insurance Card. The difference between the two is that the Regular ID is free for all active PhilHealth members whereas the Insurance ID is optional for employed members. Keep reading to know more about the application procedure for acquiring each one.

How to get a PhilHealth ID (regular)

For employees, you should receive your ID through the Human Resources department of your company. Alternatively, for other registrants, you must follow these steps:

1. First, visit any PhilHealth Express branch. Don't forget to bring two valid government IDs and the PhilHealth number assigned to you upon applying for a membership!
2. Go to the officer-in-charge at your chosen branch and ask for a "Request Form."
3. Fill it out thoroughly and submit it to the officer. Double check each section to make sure that all the information is correct! 

How to get a Digitized PhilHealth Insurance ID Card

1. Refer to the initial process previously mentioned for the regular PhilHealth ID but instead, check the option for the Digitized Insurance ID in the Request Form. Likewise, you have to show two valid government IDs.
2. If you want to include "dependents" (aka other people who will be covered by your insurance), you must state who they are. Adding them will require you to submit two government valid IDs on their behalf.
3. Lastly, you must pay a standard fee of P90. For applications with dependents, the cost to issue an ID is P358.

And now, the waiting game begins. Don't worry though, it should only take several minutes before your ID is printed by the officer-in-charge and officially in your hands!

PHILHEALTH.GOV.PH

What are the benefits of getting a PhilHealth ID?

So, you finally received your PhilHealth ID. Congratulations on making it this far! You're probably thinking: Now what? Check out some of the benefits you can receive with your card:

Regular PhilHealth ID Card

This card is applicable for Inpatient and Outpatient benefits wherein you are given a "case rate" for hospital, medical, and professional fees. In a nutshell, a "case rate” is the amount reduced from the members' bills. This rate applies to services such as Day Surgeries, Radiotherapy, Hemodialysis, and Blood Transfusion. To use these benefits, you must provide your Member Data Record (that is given to you when PhilHealth issues your membership). Otherwise, you may also request a PhilHealth Benefit Eligibility Form and PhilHealth Claim Form 1 from the organization's accredited health facilities. Remember: Financial assistance is only available within such institutions.

Digitized PhilHealth Insurance ID Card

Unlike the Regular ID Card, the Insurance Card can serve as a valid government ID for monetary exchange, bank transactions, and identity verification. Like the Regular ID, the Insurance Card can also be used by members and their authorized dependents to avail of Inpatient and Outpatient benefits with PhilHealth's partner facilities. It is also inclusive of discounts with select pharmacies and establishments such as:

• 15 percent off on generic drugs via Watson's, Rose Pharmacy, South Star Drug, and The Generic's Pharmacy
• 20 percent to 80 percent off on flu vaccines via PQ Health Shield and GSK
• 10 percent off on drug testing via JNW Drug Testing Centers
• Free (yup, that's right!!) eye exam and 20 percent discount on merchandise via Vivian Sarabia Optical

In addition to these benefits, PhilHealth recently announced that they are offering packages for COVID-19 patients. These are as follows:

• Mild Pneumonia – P43,997
• Moderate Pneumonia – P143,267
• Severe Pneumonia – P333,519
• Critical Pneumonia – P786,384

Those with probable COVID-19 cases and negative RT-PCR test results may avail of the following Intermediate packages:

• Moderate Pneumonia – P18,000
• Severe and Critical Pneumonia – P38,000

During these unprecedented times, your health is of utmost priority. If there's anything this pandemic has taught us, it's that we should always prepare for unfortunate circumstances. So go ahead, be proactive with your safety today and start securing your PhilHealth ID! You got this. ;) 

For more details, visit the official PhilHealth website or check them out on Facebook and Twitter.

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Source: Cosmo PH