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.
Denne historien er fra October 24, 2024-utgaven av The Philippine Star.
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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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Phl curlers to receive cash incentives
The Philippine men's curling team of Marc and Enrico Pfister, Christian Haller, Alan Frei and Benjo Delarmente will receive P2 million in cash incentives from the government for their historic win in the just concluded Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China.
UP, FEU Lady Spikers Off to Flying Start
University of the Philippines needed the full, five-set route to overcome a short-handed University of the East, 25-18, 26-24, 24-26, 13-25, 15-13, that set in motion its campaign in UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball at the MOA Arena.
Lusso: Where Margarita Forés taught us to fly
Walking into her newest restaurant, Lusso at The Podium, the song \"Volare\"—meaning \"to fly\" in Italian—plays softly. \"I want guests to feel transported,\" said Gaita.
BuCor lobbies for Asean prisoner swap
Following the transfer of drug convict Mary Jane Veloso from Indonesia to the Philippines last year, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) is pushing for the adoption of a policy that would allow individuals imprisoned in any Southeast Asian country to be repatriated to their home countries to serve their sentences.
Ostapenko ousts Swiatek; Sinner banned
Three-time defending Qatar Open champion Iga Swiatek suffered a crushing 6-3, 6-1 defeat by Jelena Ostapenko in the semifinals on Friday, her fifth loss in as many meetings with the mercurial Latvian.
Russian drone damages Chernobyl plant's radiation shield
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday that a Russian drone had caused significant damage to the radiation containment shelter at the disused Chernobyl nuclear power plant overnight.
Ayala Land Premier sees robust demand
Property giant Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) continues to see resilient demand for luxury residences, with Ayala Land Premier recording P4.7 billion in sales in just the first week of February.
Tollways Going Full Cashless on March 15
Motorists must install a radio frequency identification (RFID) sticker on their vehicles to pass through tollways starting March 15, in line with the government's policy to transition to cashless payments, the Toll Regulatory Board announced yesterday.
US seeks more invested, enduring ties with Phl
The United States under the new Trump administration is looking to further strengthen its bilateral relations with the Philippines, not only in terms of security but also in other possible areas of development.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR CUP OF JOE?
It may take a while for the euphoria to die down. The Joewahs who witnessed \"Silakbo,\" Cup of Joe's explosive, exciting, vastly entertaining and really packed two-night stint at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last Feb. 8 and 9, are still over the moon in ecstasy.
