You might think that your disability will already translate to pre-existing conditions. It is a concern for hundreds of Filipinos but actually, you can still maximize your HMO benefits. What are the options? Let’s take a look.
Good Health Cards for the Disabled
Unlimited check up and diagnostic tests are usually the core benefits of prepaid plans that’s why we also recommend them for those with a tight budget. Here are some of your options of HMO for PWDs:
Maxicare: We also like its annual check up benefit. You can benefit from it as a preventive masure for you r existing chronic illness.
Etiqa: Has up to Php 100,000 accident benefit. While this may not be a PWD concern considering that a disability is after the accident, it is good to know that after care support will be available to the patient.
Medicard: Has Medicard Select plan, offering a set of benefits to monitor your health annually. Especially useful for those with disability due to chronic illness, for example diabetic retinopathy (eyes)
Philcare: Offers affordable prepaid health cards suitable for PWDs with tight budgets. Unli consultation is available.
Being a PWD should not prevent you from getting a health card plan. You can always apply for one and if there are too many restrictions, there are prepaid health cards that are convenient to use without categorizing against your disability.
Choosing Factors
While various types of disabilities exist, each individual may have a specific need for medical service. However, the most important ones include the following:
Check Up
The card that you will choose will usually have the basic coverage for consultation. It does not matter whatever health conditions you may have since check up will be a part of most plans. So look for something that maximizes this benefit whether a prepaid or comprehensive plan.
Therapies
Physical therapy may be included as a benefit in most HMOs. For example, an individual plan may have a starting benefit of around 6 sessions for the entire year. If you are disabled under the category physical capacity, you may opt to get help for PT sessions.
Special Rates
I would also like to emphasize that some HMOs have arrangements with hospitals and clinics when it comes to promos. For example, whatever your vision disabilities are, you can get a discounted rate up to 15% for eyeglasses and eye treatment using your health cards.
It may not be a direct benefit of your plan but still, you can save a lot with this partnership of companies.
Did you know that disabilities among Filipinos are not only about arm and leg problems? Yes, the government also recognizes mental disability, speech, vision and chronic illnesses. We are used to seeing people with crutches (saklay) or those with blindness but PWDs are not limited to those.
DSWD also has a list of disability benefits that may be availed by those with PWD IDs.
Have you decided what HMO to get?
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