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The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) will shoulder the prescription glasses, crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs of its members beginning January 2025, House Deputy Majority Leader ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo bared on Sunday, Sept. 22. 

Tulfo said this was the result of House Speaker Martin Romualdez's request to PhilHealth officials. 

"Problema talaga ng mga seniors at PWDs (persons with disabilities) ang mga gamit na ito sa pang-araw-araw para sila ay makakilos kung kaya't naisipan ni Speaker Romualdez na ipasagot na rin sa PhilHealth ang mga ito," Tulfo, the deputy majority leader for communications, said. 

(These everyday items are very important for seniors and PWDs for their mobility, that's why Speaker Romualdez sought PhilHealth coverage for these.) 

It was learned that Tulfo and the Office of the Speaker met with the officials of the state health insurer led by President Mandy Ledesma in Congress last Thursday, Sept. 19. 

"Pumayag po ang PhilHealth na sagutin na ang mga kagamitang ito simula sa pagpasok ng taon," Cong. Tulfo said. 

(PhilHealth has agreed to shoulder these items at the turn of the year.) 

He explained, "Kadalasan ay mga wheelchair ang hiling ng mga kababayan natin lalo na yung mga senior at PWD pero pinasama na rin ni Speaker Romualdez ang mga salamin sa mata, saklay, at walker." 

(Usually seniors and PWDs request for wheelchairs, but Speaker Romualdez also sought coverage for eyeglasses, crutches, and walkers. 

"Bawas gastos ito sa mga kababayan natin lalo na sa mga mahihirap (This will translate to huge savings for our indigent countrymen)," noted the broadcaster--turned--congressman. 

Ledesma asked to the House leaders to give them until January next year to implement the program so they can have more time to develop the mechanics of the new benefit.