Libreng Check-up Act

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPURE OF SEE HELPINES First Regular Session JUL -8 P5:44 SENATE RELI S. NO. _ Introduced by Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" A. Aquino IV AN ACT PROVIDING FOR FREE ANNUAL MEDICAL CHECK-UP FOR FILIPINOS EXPLANATORY NOTE Access to preventive healthcare remains a challenge for many Filipinos, particularly those in low-income and rural communities. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), out-of-pocket spending by Filipino families accounted for 44.7 percent of the country's total health expenditure in 2021. This reliance on personal funds often discourages people from seeking medical help until symptoms worsen, by which time treatment becomes more expensive and less effective. Adding to this concern, the Department of Health (DOH) reported in 2013 that 6 out of 10 Filipinos die without ever seeing a doctor, underscoring a long-standing gap in early intervention and regular health monitoring. These figures reveal the urgent need for a stronger, more accessible preventive healthcare system. Delayed diagnoses not only result in poorer health outcomes, but also increase the strain on our already overburdened public hospitals and healthcare workers. The costs, both human and economic, are significant and preventable. This proposed measure aims to institutionalize one free medical check-up per year for all Filipinos, to be administered through the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). The check-up will include a general physical examination and basic laboratory and diagnostic tests, such as blood tests, urine and stool exams, imaging procedures like chest x-rays, ECGs, and age-appropriate cancer screening

tests. These services may be expanded to include other relevant tests based on national health needs and the availability of funds. The free medical check-up shall be implemented within or alongside existing programs, including the Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama (Konsulta) package of PhilHealth, thus avoiding duplication of efforts and facilitating harmonized implementation. The measure shall be funded by PhilHealth's existing revenue sources, which include member contributions and government subsidies, consistent with the provisions of the Universal Health Care Act (RA 11223). By focusing on prevention rather than cure, this legislation aims to foster a culture of health consciousness among Filipinos. It empowers individuals to take charge of their well-being, helps detect illnesses before they become severe, and ultimately contributes to a healthier, more resilient population. This is a simple yet impactful step toward making healthcare more equitable, accessible, and people-centered. In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. Banguin

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session ) JUL -8 25:44 SENATE RECE' S. No. 2'70 Introduced by Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" A. Aquino IV AN ACT PROVIDING FOR FREE ANNUAL MEDICAL CHECK-UP FOR FILIPINOS Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Libreng Check-Up Act."

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State recognizes its duty to protect and

promote the right to health of the people. Pursuant to its duty, the State shall provide the services needed to ensure the health and wellness of every Filipino. Aside from enhancing programs that focus on curative medicine, there should be emphasis on improving the country's health care system in terms of preventive interventions and strengthening the health-seeking behavior of citizens. In line with this, Filipinos shall 8 be entitled to an annual medical check-up, through the programs of the Philippine 9 Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), that is free of charge in any government 10 hospital and institution.

Sec. 3. Population Coverage. - Every Filipino citizen shall be covered by the

12 free annual medical check-up under this Act, pursuant to Section 5 of Republic Act 13 No. 11223, otherwise known as the "Universal Health Care Act."

Sec. 4. Medical Check-Up Coverage. - PhilHealth, in consultation with the

15 Department of Health (DOH), shall establish a program to provide Filipinos with a free

annual medical check-up, which shall include, but not be limited to a general physical 2 examination and the following basic laboratory and diagnostic tests: a) Blood tests (such as complete blood count, fasting blood sugar, lipid profile) b) Urine and stool examinations c) Chest x-ray and other imaging procedures d) Electrocardiogram (ECG) e) Cancer screening tests based on age and risk factors (such as Pap smear, PSA test) f) Other screening or diagnostic procedures as may be necessary based on the patient's medical evaluation. Provided, That prior to the availment of any laboratory and/or diagnostic examinations, the patient must first be screened by a PhilHealth-accredited primary care provider, as stated under Section 6(d) of R.A. No. 11223, to evaluate and determine the appropriate examinations to be administered: 15 Provided, further, That such examinations shall be conducted through PhilHealth- accredited health care institutions (HCIs): Provided, furthermore, That the coverage of laboratory and/or diagnostic examinations may be expanded, subject to the availability of PhilHealth funds and based on the current and emerging health needs of Filipinos: 20 Provided, finally, That this program may be implemented and harmonized with existing and future programs of PhilHealth, including but not limited to the Konsultasyong Suit at Tama (Konsulta) package, without prejudice to the development or expansion of other programs aligned with this Act.

Sec. 5. Schedule of Free Medical Check-Up. - The duration of availing the free

medical check-up shall be for the whole calendar year. PhilHealth shall establish a system to secure that every Filipino will be accommodated and get the services that 27 they are entitled to.

Sec. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - PhilHealth shall be primarily

2 responsible for the implementation of this Act. Within thirty (30) days from the 3 effectivity of this Act, PhilHealth, in consultation with the Department of Health (DOH), 4 shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for its effective implementation.

Sec. 7. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to implement this Act shall be

6 charged against the total revenue of PhilHealth, composed of premium contributions 7 from direct contributors and premium subsidies of the government for the indirect 8 contributors, of the year following its enactment into law and thereafter.

Sec. 8. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act is declared

10 invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

Sec. 9. Repealing Clause. - All other laws, decrees, orders, other issuances,

rules and regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 10. Effectivity, - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

16 publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,