Improved health care access for seniors
The Philippine Star|October 24, 2024
The elderly population in the Philippines has seen promising developments in terms of health care access, with benefits such as discounts on services and tax exemptions on select medicines. I have been enjoying them for several months now and believe there is still significant potential to enhance these programs further.
JOE ZALDARRIAGA
Improved health care access for seniors

Several weeks ago, news reports stated that state health insurer PhilHealth is studying the viability of covering assistive devices such as wheelchairs, canes, crutches and walkers by next year. If implemented, this measure would provide substantial support to senior citizens who rely on these devices for mobility and independence.

Estimates of the National Commission of Senior Citizens show that the Philippines will have a "significant aging population" by 2030 with the Filipino elderly expected to comprise about 8.5 percent of the household population. As of 2020, senior citizens numbered over nine million.

These numbers only highlight the need for the government to expand and improve public health programs and support for the elderly.

Majority of Filipinos aged 60 and above are retired and dependent on pension payouts, and over the next half a decade, senior population is only set to increase.

The current list of health care benefits for senior citizens is a welcome development, such as the 20 percent discount on health services and the exemption of several medicines from value-added tax (VAT). Yet the reality is that more support is needed to meet the advanced medical needs of the elderly, many of whom require regular medical attention in their golden years. Strengthening these programs would ensure that seniors receive the comprehensive medical care and promote a healthier and more secure future.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 24, 2024 من The Philippine Star.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 24, 2024 من The Philippine Star.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من THE PHILIPPINE STAR مشاهدة الكل
SOFRONIO VASQUEZ'S PASSION AND DETERMINATION LEAD TO HISTORIC 'THE VOICE USA' VICTORY
The Philippine Star

SOFRONIO VASQUEZ'S PASSION AND DETERMINATION LEAD TO HISTORIC 'THE VOICE USA' VICTORY

DREAMS DO COME TRUE. However, there's a caveat or condition for one to make it happen.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 12, 2024
OPM icons take pride in Sofronio Vasquez's big win
The Philippine Star

OPM icons take pride in Sofronio Vasquez's big win

Sofronio Vasquez became the first-ever Filipino and Asian to win the hit US talent search \"The Voice USA.\"

time-read
4 mins  |
December 12, 2024
Ricky Lee: Direk Ishmael Bernal will be happy and amused with 'Isang Himala'
The Philippine Star

Ricky Lee: Direk Ishmael Bernal will be happy and amused with 'Isang Himala'

Essaying the role of Elsa, the barrio lass who witnessed the apparition of the Virgin Mary that changed her life in director Ishmael Bernal's \"Himala\" (1982), is a huge challenge for any actress who will portray it, especially since it was originated by Nora Aunor.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 12, 2024
ATE VI AS A GATECRASHER AND HER DREAM GUEST LIST
The Philippine Star

ATE VI AS A GATECRASHER AND HER DREAM GUEST LIST

After six decades (and counting) in the biz, Vilma Santos practices quality control in the movies she puts her full emotional investment into.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 12, 2024
All the Light Rail we can see
The Philippine Star

All the Light Rail we can see

The Light Rail Transit 1 (LRT-1) Cavite Extension Project will increase the total number of LRT-1 stations from 20 to 28, covering several major cities including Quezon City, Caloocan, Manila, Pasay, and Parañaque, all the way to Bacoor, Cavite.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 12, 2024
RUPERT JACINTO'S 'FAAABULOUS XII' GALA NIGHT
The Philippine Star

RUPERT JACINTO'S 'FAAABULOUS XII' GALA NIGHT

Rupert Jacinto's \"Faaabulous XII,\" a photo exhibit, book launch and fabulousity gala night, was held recently at the Marriott Grand Ballroom.

time-read
1 min  |
December 12, 2024
Lunches with Cedie
The Philippine Star

Lunches with Cedie

It was November of 1986, and Mom and I had gotten home from an extended trip visiting relatives in the States.

time-read
6 mins  |
December 12, 2024
The Philippine Star

NGCP's P2.6-B Capas project gets ERC nod

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has given the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) the green light to develop a P2.59-billion transmission project in Capas, Tarlac.

time-read
1 min  |
December 12, 2024
The Philippine Star

Easing inflation, policy rates to support residential market

Softer inflation and lower policy rates would be favorable for the residential market, according to a professional services and investment management company.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 12, 2024
The Philippine Star

Visa simplifies money transfers for OFWs, SMEs

Global payments platform Visa is strengthening its commitment to simplifying and securing digital money transfers for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), digital workers, and small and medium enterprises (SME) owners especially this holiday season when remittances peak.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 12, 2024