Monthly Maintenance Medication Support Act for Senior Citizens

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 25 JUL -7 49:33 First Regular Session SENATE S. No. 164 Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda AN ACT PROVIDING MONTHLY MAINTENANCE MEDICATION SUPPORT FOR SENIOR CITIZENS EXPLANATORY NOTE The aging population in the Philippines is increasing rapidly, with many senior citizens requiring ongoing medical attention to manage chronic illnesses. Maintenance medications are essential for the elderly, as they are often prescribed to control long- term health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and other age- related ailments. However, the high cost of these medications poses a significant financial burden, particularly for those living on limited incomes. Article XIII, Section 11 of the 1987 Constitution mandates that the State shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health and other social services, prioritizing the underprivileged, sick, elderly, disabled, women, and children. In line with this mandate, it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that senior citizens have access to affordable healthcare, including the medications necessary for maintaining their health and well-being. Republic Act No. 9994, or the "Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010," provides for the protection and promotion of the welfare of senior citizens, including discounts on the purchase of medicines. While this law has made significant strides in supporting the elderly, there remains a need for further assistance, particularly in providing direct financial support to cover the cost of maintenance medications.

This bill, titled the "Monthly Maintenance Medication Support Act for Senior Citizens," seeks to address this need by providing a monthly financial subsidy of Php 1,000.00 to registered senior citizens for the purchase of maintenance medications. This support aims to alleviate the financial burden on senior citizens, ensuring they have consistent access to the medications they require to manage their health conditions effectively. The proposed legislation outlines the eligibility criteria, the process for registration, and the specific use of the financial support, ensuring that the funds are used exclusively for purchasing prescribed maintenance medications. The Department of Health (DOH), in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and other relevant agencies, will be responsible for the implementation and monitoring of this program. By enacting this measure, the State affirms its commitment to the health and well-being of senior citizens, enabling them to lead healthier, more dignified lives, and continue to contribute meaningfully to society. In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. - LOREN LEGARDA

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES JUL -7 A9:33 First Regular Session SENATE S. No. — Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda PROVIDING MONTHLY MAINTENANCE MEDICATION SUPPORT FOR SENIOR CITIZENS Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Monthly Maintenance

Medication Support Act for Senior Citizens."

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - In consonance with Article XIII, Sec. 11 of the

4 Constitution which provides that the State shall adopt an Integrated and 5 comprehensive approach to health and other social services available to all people at 6 affordable cost, giving priority to the underprivileged, sick, elderly, disabled, women and children, it is hereby declared the pollcy of the State to protect and promote the health and well-being of elderly citizens for their continued meaningful contribution 9 and participation in society. This Act seeks to provide monthly financial assistance to senior citizens, enabling them to access and afford necessary maintenance medications, thereby enhancing their quality of life and health outcomes.

Sec. 3. Monthly Maintenance Medication Support. - The government shall

provide monthly financial support amounting to Php 1,000.00 to all senior citizens, hereinafter referred to as "beneficiaries," who are qualified and registered as such 15 under Republic Act No. 9994, otherwise known as the "Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010."

Sec. 4. Eligibility and Registration. - To qualify for the Monthly Maintenance

18 Medication Support, a senior citizen must meet the foilowing criteria:

(a) Be a Filipino citizen and a registered senior citizen as defined in Republic Act No. 9994; (b) Submit an application to the Department of Health (DOH) or its designated agency, accompanied by a valid prescription for maintenance medications issued by a licensed medical practitioner within the last six (6) months from the date of application; and (c) Once approved, beneficiaries shall be issued a Monthly Maintenance Medication Support Card.

Sec. 5. Use of the Monthly Support. - The Monthly Maintenance Medication

Support shall be used exclusively to purchase prescribed maintenance medications, including but not limited to medicines for chronic illnesses, vitamins, and supplements, from all public or private pharmaceutical establishments upon presentment of a prescription validly issued within the last six (6) months from the date of purchase. The Monthly Maintenance Medication Support shall not be transferrable to any person other than the person to which the same is provided as named in the Monthly Maintenance Medication Support Card. Any unused portion of the support shall not be convertible to cash.

Sec. 6. Implementation and Coordination. - The Department of Health (DOH)

shall be responsible for the implementation of this Act and shall coordinate with other relevant agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), to ensure the efficient distribution of the Monthly Maintenance Medication Support.

Sec. 7. Monitoring and Reporting. - The DOH shall establish a monitoring

system to track the utilization of the Monthly Maintenance Medication Support and shall submit an annual report to Congress detailing the program's effectiveness and impact on senior citizens' health and well-being.

Sec. 8. Penalties. - Any person who commits fraud, misrepresentation, or any

form of abuse in the application or use of the Monthly Maintenance Medication Support shall be subject to penalties as prescribed by law.

Sec. 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DOH, in coordination with

the DSWD and other relevant agencies, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to effectively implement this Act within ninety (90) days from its effectivity.

Sec. 10. Separability Clause. - If any part, section, or provision of this Act is

held invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect.

Sec. 11. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations or

parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

Sec. 12. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Approved,