No more premium payments for PWDs under new PhilHealth policy

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Eligible persons with disability (PWDs) are no longer required to pay for their PhilHealth premiums under the health insurance's new policy.

Under PhilHealth Circular No. 2026‑0017, qualified PWDs are automatically covered under the national health insurance program.

The new policy took effect on October 9, 2026, with the adoption of the Unified PWD ID System (UPWDIS) for a simpler and faster enrollment and claiming of benefits .

The new policy states that PhilHealth contributions of PWD employees are no longer deducted from their salary.

PhilHealth said PWD employees' 5% monthly premium will be paid half by their employer and half by the national government.

The national government will also pay the full premium of PWDs if they are self-employed.

Those under 21 years old, single, unemployed, and have no children will be registered as a main member once their details are verified in the system.

The National Council on Disability Affairs and the Department of Social Welfare and Development will administer the UPWDIS, serving qualified PWDs and their dependents.

PhilHealth will use the existing PWD Registry to confirm disability status while the new system is being fully set up.

PWDs with valid PWD IDs, medical certificate or have apparent disabilities will still get coverage while records are being updated. — RSJ, GMA News