Overseas Filipino Workers with active OWWA membership are entitled to the Supplemental Medical Assistance provided by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration. This social program is intended for Filipino migrant workers who are active OWWA members and need medical assistance due to an illness contracted while working overseas.
If you have acquired a chronic disease during employment abroad, you are eligible to claim the benefits under the MEDplus program. However, it’s important to consider the qualifications, requirements, coverage, and application process before you decide to apply for medical assistance.
What Is the Supplemental Medical Assistance
Supplemental Medical Assistance or MEDplus is a social benefit offered by OWWA to qualified OFWs who developed an illness while they are abroad. It was implemented in 2016 to allow OFWs to take advantage of the medical coverage and financial assistance from OWWA. This is in partnership between PhilHealth and OWWA through a Memorandum of Agreement.
The main purpose of the program is to provide a one-time financial grant to eligible OFWs and their dependents in order to cover their hospital bills and other emergency needs. It supplements the PhilHealth benefits that migrant workers can receive in case of an illness. The beneficiaries are active members of PhilHealth and OWWA who suffer from degenerative diseases as a result of working abroad or in the Philippines.
Benefits of MEDplus
Eligible OFWs and their dependents are entitled to all the benefits that the OWWA Supplemental Medical Assistance covers. The program is carried throughout the 18 provincial offices in the Philippines to cater to the needs of the members. For deceased OFWs or members who are still abroad, their dependents can claim the benefits.
Those who will avail of this program, will receive up to Php 50,000 in financial assistance for one illness per member. In addition to the benefits you can get from PhilHealth, you also get supplemental benefits from MEDplus. It covers both surgical and medical procedures for diseases such as cancer, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, and liver disease.
The hospitalization benefits, however, are only valid for one diagnosed illness. You can avail of this medical assistance several times, but it should not exceed Php 50,000 in total. Although you may use it multiple times, it must only be used for the illness you originally applied for.
Requirements
Snow, before we go to the requirements when claiming financial assistance through the Supplemental Medical Assistance, it’s important to consider the qualifications first. To become eligible for the OWWA MEDplus, you need to be an active OWWA and PhilHealth member who is hospitalized or diagnosed with a critical illness in the Philippines or in the host country.
To apply for MEDplus benefits, you need the following requirements:
- One passport-sized photo
- Duly accomplished MEDplus Program Application Form
- PhilHealth Benefit Payment Notice indicating the actual payments made for the availment or confinement
- Proof of OWWA membership contributions
- For OFWs abroad and next-of-kin claimants, present a Special Power of Attorney duly notarized and executed by the OFW
- For deceased OFWs, the claimant should provide a Death Certificate and Birth Certificate or Marriage Certificate as proof of relationship
How to Claim MEDplus Benefits
With a valid OWWA membership, OFWs can avail themselves of the Supplemental Medical Assistance benefits. Even if the OWWA membership has expired, you will still be covered within 60 days. To claim your MEDplus benefits, here are the steps you need to follow:
Step 1: Visit the nearest POLO-OWWA Office or OWWA Regional Welfare Office.
Step 2: Bring all the required documents and submit them for application.
Step 3: Processing of application or claim may take three days once the requirements are submitted and PhilHealth payment is confirmed.
Video: Php 50,000 Supplemental Medical Assistance
In this video, it gives everything you need to know about the Supplemental Medical Assistance or MEDplus Program offered by OWWA and PhilHealth to eligible OFWs and their dependents. It includes all the benefits, qualifications, required documents, steps when applying, and other tips you should know. Watch until the end to learn how you can claim the benefits or apply for medical assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I qualify for the Supplemental Medical Assistance or MEDplus program benefits?
You must be an Overseas Filipino Worker and a member of OWWA and have registered with PhilHealth. To claim medical assistance benefits, you need to show proof of the diagnosis of a dreaded disease and other medical documents.
2. What is the OWWA MEDplus program?
The OWWA MEDplus program is supplemental medical assistance provided by OWWA and PhilHealth to active members such as OFWs. It offers one-time financial assistance for the hospitalization or medical needs of members diagnosed with dreaded diseases.
3. Who is eligible to apply for OWWA MEDplus benefits?
Eligible applicants are OFWs and their qualified dependents in case of a medical emergency or the death of an OFW. You must also be an active member of OWWA and PhilHealth to enjoy the benefits of MEDplus program.
4. How much financial assistance is given to OWWA MEDplus beneficiaries?
Under the MEDplus or supplemental medical assistance program implemented by OWWA and PhilHealth, eligible OFWs and their dependents can get up to Php 50,000 financial assistance per dreaded disease for each member.
5. What are the dreaded diseases to qualify for OWWA MEDplus coverage?
The dreaded diseases accepted under the OWWA Supplemental Medical Assistance include heart disease, liver disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer.
Summary
With this comprehensive guide in applying for OWWA Supplemental Medical Assistance or MEDplus program, eligible OFWs can benefit from the medical assistance offered by OWWA to members who need hospitalization. Also, qualified dependents can claim these benefits in case of a departed OFW family member. So make sure to complete all the requirements and meet the qualifications before submitting an application to the nearest POLO OWWA or Regional Welfare Office.