PhilHealth eliminates premium payments for qualified persons with disability
A new PhilHealth rule removes premium obligations for eligible persons with disability, with costs shared between employers and the government, and fully covered for self-employed individuals.
PhilHealth has introduced a new policy, detailed in Circular No. 2026-0017, that exempts eligible persons with disability from paying health-insurance premiums. The change took effect on Oct 9, 2026, alongside the rollout of the Unified PWD ID System (UPWDIS), which simplifies enrollment and benefit claims. For employed PWDs, the 5 % monthly premium is now split evenly between the employer and the national government; self-employed PWDs receive full government coverage.
Individuals under 21 who are single, unemployed and childless will be entered as primary members once their information is verified. Administration of the UPWDIS is assigned to the National Council on Disability Affairs and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, while PhilHealth will continue to reference the existing PWD Registry to confirm disability status during the transition period. Holders of valid PWD IDs, medical certificates, or visible disabilities remain covered while records are updated.
Why it matters
The policy eases financial burdens on disabled workers and expands their access to national health coverage.
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