Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and the Overseas Workers Welfare Association have confirmed ongoing coordination to expand medical benefits for overseas Filipino workers, including a possible restructuring of the MEDplus assistance program.
The update was shared during an online press conference on January 28, where OWWA Deputy Administrator Rosalia Susana Bahia-Catapang said both agencies are reviewing how to improve MEDplus, a joint program that provides medical and financial aid to OFWs who are active members of PhilHealth and OWWA.
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MEDplus Under Review
MEDplus currently offers up to ₱50,000 per member to help cover costs related to serious illnesses and hospital confinement, whether treatment happens in the Philippines or overseas. Under the setup, PhilHealth assistance is matched by financial support from OWWA.
According to OWWA, discussions with PhilHealth will focus on strengthening the program’s implementation and aligning it with newer health initiatives, particularly the YAKAP and GAMOT programs.
Bahia-Catapang said the agencies are set to meet in the coming days to work on improvements and ensure smoother rollout across regions.
Aligning with YAKAP and GAMOT Programs
OWWA also highlighted efforts to support the national rollout of PhilHealth’s YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan) and GAMOT (Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment) programs.
These initiatives aim to widen access to outpatient medicines, checkups, and basic laboratory services, especially for vulnerable members and their families.
OWWA said coordination with PhilHealth is key to making sure these services reach OFWs and their dependents nationwide, not just in major urban centers.
YAKAP Gamot Botika Expands Beyond Metro Manila
As part of this push, OWWA reported the successful launch of the YAKAP Gamot Botika project in Tuguegarao City.
The project, implemented in partnership with PhilHealth, provides free medical checkups, laboratory tests, and medicines for OFWs and their families. OWWA said its existing YAKAP Gamot Botika at the OWWA Central Office has already served more than 2,000 OFWs and dependents.
Following the Tuguegarao rollout, OWWA said it plans to expand similar services to other regions, with support from PhilHealth.