QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 10354)
The legal basis is Republic Act No. 10633, specifically the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for FY 2014, which allocated Php3.193 Billion to complement the DOH Medical Health Care Assistance Program for indigent or poor patients.
To rationalize the process of allocation and utilization of the medical assistance fund for indigent or poor patients in government hospitals.
All offices and persons involved in implementing medical assistance to indigent and poor patients in government hospitals.
Government Hospitals are those owned or managed by government through DOH, Local Government Units (LGUs), and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs).
Persons who cannot meet basic needs (indigent) or whose income is insufficient to fully meet medical expenses (poor), and who seek medical services in government hospitals as inpatients (ward/ICU/small private room) or outpatients.
It sub-allots/downloads funds to retained hospitals and DOH Regional Offices, and transfers funds to specialty hospitals upon signing of MOA with specialty hospital heads.
A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) must be signed between the DOH and the heads/chiefs of these specialty hospitals for implementation of the program.
The DOH enters into an MOA with the Philippine General Hospital for the implementation of the program.
The DOH Regional Directors sign MOAs with the LGU and SUC hospitals.
The head of the concerned government hospital is responsible and accountable, including ensuring proper utilization consistent with COA guidelines.
The concerned Chief of Hospital approves requests for medical assistance under the program.
Up to P100,000.00 per patient. Any excess requires approval of the Secretary of Health or his authorized representative.
Pertinent documents such as: Doctor’s Prescription/Request, Billing Statement, and Case Summary from the concerned DSWD worker.
The Medical Social Worker assists the patient in availing of the medical assistance and works with the applicant’s documentary requirements.
Hospitals must submit a monthly report on or before the 7th day of the succeeding month of fund utilization, including: (a) patient names/addresses and medical services/drugs/medicines received, (b) type of medical assistance given and related information, and (c) amounts given per patient and the total amount for the month.
To assess the impact of the program on DOH thrusts and commend government hospitals for their support and partnership in utilizing the Medical Assistance Fund.
If any part/provision is held invalid, the other provisions not affected remain in full force and effect.
Administrative Orders 2014-0013 (April 7, 2014) and 2014-0017 (May 22, 2014) are repealed. All other issuances inconsistent with this Order regarding utilization of the 2014 GAA appropriations are also repealed.
It takes effect on July 15, 2014 upon its publication in a newspaper of general circulation or in the DOH website.