For many Filipinos, medical expenses can be a significant burden, especially when dealing with ongoing treatments, prescriptions, or emergencies. Fortunately, the Lingap at Gabay Para sa May Sakit (LinGaP sa MaSa) program by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provides much-needed financial assistance for medical costs.
Launched by former President Rodrigo Duterte in response to the growing costs of medical treatment, the program initially received PHP 1 billion from the President’s Socio-Civic Projects Fund to ensure low-income Filipinos could access essential medical services. This initiative helps those facing significant medical expenses, including hospital fees, prescription medications, and lab tests. To learn more about how you can benefit from this program, read this comprehensive guide.
What is DSWD’s LinGaP sa MaSa?
LinGaP sa MaSa is a financial assistance program initiated by former President Rodrigo Duterte in response to the high cost of healthcare in the Philippines. It aims to support low-income Filipinos by offering assistance for medical expenses, including medicines, lab tests, and treatment costs. Managed by the DSWD, this program allocates funds specifically for those who struggle to afford essential healthcare services.
The history of LinGaP sa MaSa dates back to its founding in 2017 as part of a larger government effort to improve healthcare access for marginalized communities. Managed by DSWD, the program was designed to complement other medical assistance initiatives by supporting vulnerable sectors, such as low-income families, crisis-affected individuals, and government employees facing medical emergencies. Since its establishment, LinGaP sa MaSa has expanded its reach across multiple hospitals and regions, serving as a vital resource for Filipinos nationwide.
Who are the Target Beneficiaries?
The LinGaP sa MaSa program is open to all Filipino citizens, with priority given to the following groups:
- Low-income families listed in the DSWD’s Listahanan database.
- Vulnerable individuals including the elderly, disabled, and those experiencing financial crises.
- Government employees (permanent and contractual) facing medical emergencies.
- Dependents of fallen or injured soldiers and policemen.
Scope and Coverage
The LinGaP sa MaSa Program covers a broad range of medical needs, from funding medications and treatments to covering surgeries and specialized procedures. Under this program, qualified beneficiaries can receive:
- Up to PHP 75,000 per case per year for the following:
- Laboratory tests, surgeries, and hospitalization costs
- Prescription medications and maintenance drugs
- Prostheses, implants, and other medical devices
- Chemotherapy, dialysis, and other essential treatments
- Transportation costs for patients needing out-of-town treatment
The program operates through designated hospitals in regions across the Philippines, with priority given to indigent patients and individuals from vulnerable groups, ensuring targeted and effective distribution of medical assistance.
Note that the amount of assistance may vary, depending on their financial need and eligibility as assessed by DSWD social workers.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Avail of LinGaP sa MaSa Benefits
For a detailed guide on how to avail the benefits offered under the LinGaP sa MaSa Program, here are the steps to follow:
Step 1. Prepare the Required Documents
To apply for the LinGaP sa MaSa program, you will need:
- Patient’s valid ID (Government-issued ID such as a passport, driver’s license, etc.)
- Representative’s ID and an Authorization Letter (if someone else is applying on the patient’s behalf).
- Prescription from a licensed doctor (must be dated within the last three months) for medications or medical procedures needed.
- Proof of Indigency, such as a Barangay Certificate or certification from the hospital’s medical social service office.
Step 2. Obtain a Pharmacy Quotation
Once you have a valid prescription, go to the hospital’s pharmacy or an affiliated pharmacy to get a quotation for the required medications or treatments. This quotation will be essential in the application process.
Step 3. Submit Your Documents to a DSWD Social Worker
Head to the DSWD-assigned social worker at the hospital. Submit all required documents, including your ID, prescription, proof of indigency, and the pharmacy quotation. The social worker will evaluate your case to determine eligibility based on financial need and program criteria.
Step 4. Receive Your Guarantee Letter (GL)
If approved, the DSWD social worker will provide you with a LinGaP sa MaSa Guarantee Letter (GL). This letter authorizes the hospital pharmacy or affiliated partner pharmacies to supply the prescribed medications or treatments at no cost to you.
Step 5. Present the GL to the Pharmacy
Take the GL to the pharmacy to obtain the necessary medications or treatments. The pharmacy will mark the GL as “ISSUED” once you receive your items.
Step 6. Payment Process (Handled by DSWD and Hospital)
The hospital pharmacy will handle payment directly with the DSWD. They submit all GLs and a Statement of Account on the 15th and last day of each month to facilitate the processing of payments by the DSWD Field Office.
Application/Registration Form for LinGap sa MaSa Program
To apply for DSWD’s LinGaP sa MaSa benefits, you will need to obtain the application form directly from designated locations. It’s best to have the requirements ready, but here’s where to secure and submit the form:
- Visit the Hospital’s Medical Social Service Office: The application form for LinGaP sa MaSa is typically available at the medical social service office in partner hospitals where the program is implemented. Approach the social worker on duty, who can provide you with the form and guide you through the requirements.
- DSWD Regional or Field Offices: If you’re not at a partner hospital, you can also visit the nearest DSWD Regional or Field Office. Staff there can provide the necessary forms and instructions on how to submit your application.
- Ask for Assistance from DSWD Social Workers: In some cases, DSWD social workers may also have copies of the application form and can assist you with completing the process, especially if you have specific questions or need further guidance on eligibility requirements.
Once you have filled out the form and gathered the required documents, submit everything to the assigned social worker in the hospital or DSWD office for evaluation.
List of Partner Hospitals for LinGaP sa MaSa
The LinGaP sa MaSa program is available at several partner hospitals across key regions in the Philippines. Here is a detailed list of these hospitals by region:
- National Capital Region (NCR)
- UP-Philippine General Hospital
- Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center
- Philippine Children’s Medical Center
- Lung Center of the Philippines
- Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital
- East Avenue Medical Center
- Quirino Memorial Medical Center
- Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center
- Ospital ng Maynila
- Ospital ng Sta. Ana
- Ospital ng Tondo
- Justice Jose Abad Santos General Hospital
- Ospital ng Sampaloc
- Research Institute for Tropical Medicine
- Caloocan City Medical Center
- Ospital ng Muntinlupa
- Philippine Orthopedic Center
- Las Piñas General Hospital
- Amang Rodriguez Memorial Center
- Region III (Central Luzon)
- Jose B. Lingad Memorial Hospital
- Bulacan Medical Center
- James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital
- Bataan General Hospital
- Tarlac Provincial Hospital
- President Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital
- Region VI (Western Visayas)
- Western Visayas Medical Center (Iloilo City)
- Region VII (Central Visayas)
- Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (Cebu City)
- Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital
- Don Emilio Del Valle Memorial Hospital
- Talisay District Hospital
- Eversley Child Sanitarium and General Hospital
- St. Anthony Mother and Child Hospital
- Region XI (Davao Region)
- Southern Philippines Medical Center (Davao City)
- Davao Regional Hospital (Tagum City)
These partner hospitals facilitate LinGaP sa MaSa services, enabling qualified patients to receive assistance for essential medical needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For your reference, here are some common questions and answers regarding the DSWD LinGaP sa MaSa Program:
1. How much assistance can I receive?
The program offers up to PHP 75,000 per case per year based on the DSWD’s assessment of financial need. Here is a breakdown of the assistance limits and approval process:
- For assistance up to PHP 5,000, approval is handled by the Social Worker.
- Assistance amounts between PHP 5,000 and PHP 10,000 are reviewed by the Team Leader Social Worker and approved by the PSU Head.
- For amounts between PHP 10,000 and PHP 25,000, the case is reviewed by the Team Leader Social Worker and PSU Head and approved by the Assistant Regional Director.
- For assistance between PHP 25,000 and PHP 75,000, the review is conducted by the Team Leader Social Worker and PSU Head with final approval from the Regional Director.
These tiers ensure that higher assistance amounts undergo additional levels of review and approval to ensure fairness and alignment with the program’s guidelines.
2. Can I reapply for assistance if my medical needs continue?
Yes, eligible individuals can reapply every three months, provided they present updated documents and justification for further assistance.
3. Is LinGaP sa MaSa available for drug rehabilitation programs?
No, LinGaP sa MaSa does not cover treatments related to drug rehabilitation. Other programs are available for such needs.
Video: How to Get Medical Assistance from DSWD
The DSWD has numerous programs designed to support and assist the Filipinos, especially the most vulnerable ones, in case of need. In cases of medical emergencies, one of the DSWD programs, the LinGaP sa MaSa Program, is specifically designed to help support the medical needs of these vulnerable groups. Learn more about this program by watching this video from JHOVS VLOG:
Summary
DSWD’s LinGaP sa MaSa program is a valuable medical resource for financially struggling Filipinos seeking access to essential medical care. Through this program, Filipinos can better afford healthcare costs and reduce the burden of medical expenses.
Contact Information
For more details about the LinGaP sa MaSa program, reach out to your nearest DSWD office or hospital social service department. You may also contact the DSWD Central Office:
DSWD Central Office
Address: Batasang Pambansa Complex, Constitution Hills, Quezon City, Philippines, 1126
Phone: (02) 8931 8101 to 07
Website: https://www.dswd.gov.ph/