Single parents in the Philippines are now entitled to free healthcare coverage under the state-run Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), following the implementation of Republic Act No. 11861, also known as the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act. In a recent circular (Circular 2024-0020), PhilHealth announced that solo parents will be automatically enrolled in the National Health Insurance Program.
Under this expanded program, solo parents will be classified as principal members under the “indirect contributor” membership type, with a specific subtype labeled as “solo parent.” This classification ensures that single parents are entitled to the same health benefits as other members of PhilHealth, without needing to pay premiums themselves.
PhilHealth is set to revise its membership registration form to include the necessary fields for this updated classification, making it easier for solo parents to be recognized and receive the appropriate benefits. However, the agency emphasized that only those with a valid Solo Parent Identification Card (SPIC) issued by local government units (LGUs) will qualify for this automatic enrollment. The SPIC serves as proof of the individual’s status as a solo parent, and without it, PhilHealth cannot update its membership to reflect the new classification.
“The applicant shall be advised of the importance of securing first the SPIC from the solo parent’s office or solo parents division of the concerned local government unit to update their membership record to PhilHealth,” the agency explained in its circular. This underscores the need for single parents to coordinate with their respective LGUs to obtain their identification cards and ensure they benefit from the new law.
The Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act significantly broadens the scope of benefits available to single parents and their children, including educational assistance, livelihood support, and housing benefits. One of the key authors of the law, Camarines Sur Representative LRay Villafuerte, lauded this recent development, highlighting the importance of free healthcare for solo parents, many of whom face financial hardships.
“This is a major win for solo parents, who often bear the full burden of raising their children alone. Providing them with free health coverage is one less worry for them,” Villafuerte said.
The law aims to uplift the well-being of solo parents across the country, providing them with the necessary support to help raise their families.