The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) offers a wide array of benefits to its members, including the OWWA Supplemental Medical Assistance for OFWs (MEDplus) under its social benefits program. MEDplus is a financial assistance initiative designed to provide relief for OFWs burdened with expensive medical bills due to hospitalization caused by dreaded diseases. This benefit is an additional layer of support for OFWs who are also active members of PhilHealth.
Applying for MEDplus can significantly ease financial stress by providing monetary aid up to Php 50,000, depending on the PhilHealth case rate system. Understanding how to avail this benefit can be quite helpful to OWWA members and their families, especially during medical emergencies.
What is MEDplus?
The OWWA Supplemental Medical Assistance for OFWs (MEDplus) is a financial assistance program under the OWWA social benefits program. It is specifically designed to support active OWWA members with active PhilHealth memberships who are suffering from serious illnesses or dreaded diseases requiring hospitalization. It provides active OWWA and PhilHealth members with supplemental aid equivalent to the PhilHealth case rate, and is available for hospitalizations both in the Philippines and abroad, ensuring broader coverage for OFWs.
The application process for the OWWA MEDplus is straightforward, requiring only the very basic documents and a visit to the OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO). MEDplus serves as a practical solution for reducing the financial burden of unexpected medical emergencies. By offering MEDplus, OWWA ensures that OFWs and their loved ones are not left helpless in times of medical crises.
Benefits
The MEDPlus Program offers a variety of benefits to active OWWA members who are facing medical emergencies. This financial aid helps reduce the burden of hospitalization expenses for OFWs and their families.
- Up to Php 50,000 in financial assistance for medical bills, depending on the PhilHealth case rate system.
- Coverage for hospitalization due to serious illnesses, whether the OFW is in the Philippines or abroad.
- Assistance for both OFWs and their families, including claims by legal beneficiaries in cases of death or hospitalization abroad.
- Helps cover medical expenses not fully paid by PhilHealth, ensuring better financial relief for OFWs.
- Accessible through OWWA Regional Welfare Offices, with a simple application process for eligible members.
Target Beneficiaries
The MEDplus Program is designed to support active OWWA and PhilHealth members facing medical challenges caused by dreaded diseases requiring hospitalization. This program also extends its benefits to the legal dependents of OFWs in specific cases.
- Active OWWA members with an active PhilHealth membership.
- OFWs hospitalized due to dreaded diseases, whether abroad or in the Philippines.
- Family members claiming on behalf of OFWs currently working abroad (requires a notarized Special Power of Attorney).
- Legal dependents of deceased OFWs, such as spouses or children (requires a PSA-issued marriage or birth certificate and death certificate).
Who Are Qualified for MEDplus?
To qualify for the OWWA MEDplus program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be an active OWWA member.
- Hold an active PhilHealth membership.
- Have been diagnosed with a dreaded disease that required hospitalization.
Note: The benefit can also be claimed by the legal beneficiaries of an OFW if they are abroad or deceased.
Documentary Requirements
To apply for the OWWA Supplemental Medical Assistance for OFWs (MEDplus), applicants must submit specific documents to verify their eligibility and support their claim. The following list outlines the required documentation for the application process:
- OFW Membership Record (MR): Available at the OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO).
- MEDplus Application Form: Provided at the OWWA RWO.
- Passport-Size Picture: To be submitted by the OFW or claimant.
- Valid Passport: Issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
- Valid Identification Card: Government or employer-issued ID.
- Member Data Record (MDR): Available from PhilHealth.
- Medical Certificate: Issued by a licensed medical practitioner from an accredited facility.
Additional Documents for Special Cases
- If the OFW is abroad: A notarized Special Power of Attorney executed by the OFW.
- If the OFW is deceased:
- Death certificate from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
- Birth or marriage certificate of the claimant from the PSA or Local Civil Registrar.
Step-by-Step Guide to Avail MEDplus
For a detailed guide on how to apply for the program, OFWs may simply follow these steps:
Step 1. Visit the OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO)
Proceed to the OWWA RWO covering the OFW’s permanent address.
Step 2. Get a Priority Number
Upon arrival, secure a ticket and wait for your turn.
Step 3. Membership Verification
Present your ID at the Social Benefits Unit counter to verify your OWWA membership record and PhilHealth Member Data Record (MDR).
Step 4. Obtain the MEDplus Application Form
Once your membership is confirmed, get a MEDplus application form and the checklist of required documents.
Step 5. Submit the Application
Complete the form, attach the necessary documents, and submit them to the designated counter.
Step 6. Receive the Financial Assistance
After approval, you will be issued a claim stub. You can collect the financial assistance via check or cash pay-out.
Step 7. Claim the Check at the Cashier
Present two valid IDs (e.g., Passport, Driver’s License, Voter’s ID) to the cashier at the releasing window to receive the check.
Where to Get the Application Form
The MEDplus Application Form can be obtained from the OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) nearest to your location. Visit the office that corresponds to the OFW’s registered permanent address to request the form. Ensure you also collect the checklist of required documents while securing the application form for a smooth application process.
Important Reminders
If you are interested in the benefits offered by OWWA under the MEDplus program, then you’d want to keep these in mind:
- For OFWs Abroad: If the OFW is currently working overseas, the claimant (family member) must present a notarized Special Power of Attorney to process the application on their behalf.
- For Deceased OFWs: In cases where the OFW has passed away, the legal claimant must provide proof of relationship, such as a marriage certificate (spouse) or birth certificate (child), along with the death certificate.
- Validity of Membership: Applicants must ensure their OWWA and PhilHealth memberships are active at the time of hospitalization and application to avoid complications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For your reference, here are some common questions and answers regarding OWWA MEDplus:
1. Can MEDplus be availed more than once?
No, MEDplus is a one-time benefit per OFW member.
2. How long does it take to process the application?
Processing time varies depending on the completeness of submitted documents and verification procedures.
3. Can OFWs hospitalized abroad avail of MEDplus?
Yes, OFWs hospitalized abroad are eligible as long as they meet the membership and documentation requirements.
Video: What is MEDplus and How to Apply for the Program
To help you understand what OWWA MEDplus is and how to apply for this program, watch this video from RICROD-PH for a quick walkthrough:
Summary
The OWWA Supplemental Medical Assistance for OFWs (MEDplus) is a program under OWWA social benefits that offers financial aid to active members dealing with serious medical conditions. With a maximum benefit of Php 50,000, it significantly reduces the financial strain caused by hospitalization expenses. Whether you’re an OFW abroad or a family member claiming on their behalf, MEDplus offers support during challenging times. Take advantage of this OWWA program today to secure the financial assistance you need when you need it most.