Bagong Henerasyon Party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera (Rep. Herrera's office)

"A monumental step forward in providing comprehensive healthcare to solo parents and their dependents." 

That's how House Deputy Minority Leader and Bagong Henerasyon Party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera described the release of new guidelines by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) on the automatic coverage of solo parents and their children or dependents under the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP). 

PhilHealth President and CEO Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. personally handed over the signed guidelines to Herrera, who actively advocated for this provision during the House deliberations on the proposed P6.352-trillion national budget for 2025. 

“I commend PhilHealth, under the leadership of President Ledesma, for swiftly acting on this critical matter. This will ensure that solo parents, many of whom face financial hardships, can access the healthcare services they need without worrying about premium contributions,” Herrera said. 

She called solo parents "one of the most vulnerable sectors of our society". 

Under the guidelines, all solo parents registered with their respective local government units will be automatically covered by the NHIP, with their premium contributions paid for by the national government. 

Herrera emphasized that this provision was in line with the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, which she has long championed. 

“This is a huge relief for solo parents, especially those in the formal economy. The national government will now share the burden of premium contributions with their employers,” Herrera said. 

“It’s a move that not only honors their hard work but also uplifts their dignity as they continue to support their families single-handedly,” she added. 

Herrera, known as “Solon ng Soloista,” said the PhilHealth circular ensures immediate eligibility for healthcare benefits, including access to PhilHealth's Konsulta Package for both solo parents and their children or dependents. 

She said this includes outpatient care, diagnostic services, and medicine packages—key elements to securing the health and well-being of solo-parent households. 

“The swift implementation of these guidelines demonstrates our commitment to social justice and welfare for all Filipino families...this is just one of the many steps we are taking to ensure no Filipino is left behind, particularly those facing the unique challenges of being a solo parent.” 

Herrera’s continued advocacy for solo parents, coupled with her efforts in ensuring that government agencies like PhilHealth act on their mandates, reinforces her mission to uplift the status of solo parents across the country. 

Herrera is a former deputy speaker in the House of Representatives.