ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN))

Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidate ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo is set to file a bill that would allow full PhilHealth coverage to the hospital bills of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families.

In a recent media interview, Tulfo emphasized the importance of ensuring accessible and worry-free healthcare for OFWs—whom he calls the country’s modern-day heroes—especially those in the low-wage sector such as domestic work and manual labor.

“This will be a huge relief for OFWs, especially those who earn just enough to support their families. They sacrifice so much by being away from their loved ones, and they shouldn’t have to worry about hospital expenses too," he said.

Tulfo said he will file a bill ensuring zero hospital billing for OFWs and their families soon.

PhilHealth--which stands for Philippine Health Insurance Corporation--is the country’s state health insurer.

Currently, PhilHealth only covers a portion of medical expenses, leaving OFWs and their families to shoulder significant out-of-pocket costs. 

Tulfo believes that even a 50 percent increase in PhilHealth coverage would be a game-changer—but full coverage would be even better.

“If PhilHealth can cover at least half of the bill, that would already be a big help. But imagine if OFWs and their families didn’t have to pay anything at all,” he pointed out.

This proposal isn’t just about the OFWs themselves—it’s also about the families they leave behind in pursuit of a better future," the administration bet said.

Tulfo shared that this issue was a major concern raised by OFWs during his visit to Paris, France for Barrio Fiesta 2025 earlier this month.