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.
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Denne historien er fra October 24, 2024-utgaven av The Philippine Star.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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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.
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.\"
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lunches with Cedie
It was November of 1986, and Mom and I had gotten home from an extended trip visiting relatives in the States.
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.
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.
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.