QuestionsQuestions (DOH ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2009-0011)
It implements the provisions of RA 9442 (amending RA 7277, the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons) regarding medical and related discounts and special privileges, and it prescribes procedures and guidelines for implementing the 20% discount for PWDs in health-related services.
PWDs are entitled to at least 20% discount for the purchase of medicines in all drugstores for exclusive use/enjoyment of PWDs, and at least 20% discount on medical and dental services including diagnostic and laboratory fees (e.g., x-rays, CT scans, blood tests) in all government facilities, subject to DOH guidelines in coordination with PhilHealth.
It refers to any document/proof of being disabled used to avail benefits/privileges, such as the PWD ID card signed by the Mayor, Barangay Captain, or NCWDP/NCDA Chairperson (with the signatory rule shifting after the first 3 years).
They are: (1) Psychosocial/behavioral disabilities, (2) Chronic illnesses with disabilities, (3) Learning (cognitive/intellectual) disabilities, (4) Mental disabilities, (5) Visual/seeing disabilities, (6) Orthopedic/moving disabilities, and (7) Communication deficits. The IRR requires DOH to address health concerns for these categories.
A PWD identification card; a doctor’s prescription with required details (including that medicines are for exclusive use of the PWD and providing specific prescription contents; OTCS also require a prescription); and a purchase booklet issued to the PWD for free, plus, if bought by a representative, an authorization letter and the representative’s ID.
As a general rule, any single dispensing of medicine must be in accordance with the prescription and should not exceed a one (1) month supply.
Services that are not medically necessary for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, or palliation—e.g., cosmetic surgical procedures, executive check-up packages, and physical examinations without clinical evidence of effectiveness and efficiency.
Yes. The Order expressly states that 20% discount is granted to special reagents, dyes, contrast media, and radioactive isotopes used in laboratory and diagnostic tests.
For service wards of government facilities, PWDs are entitled to 20% discount for the costs of medical/dental/rehabilitation services and diagnostic/lab/psychological/developmental tests, with remaining balance classified by the Medical Social Worker (and potentially free services after evaluation). For pay sections, PWDs are granted 20% discount for medical/dental services and diagnostic/lab fees (subject to medically necessary and guideline-protocol requirements), including outpatient.
The diagnosis/treatment must align with available CPGs/hospital protocols and be determined medically necessary by an attending physician; evidence-based screening tests endorsed by DOH as medically necessary for the individual case should be included where applicable; and the requesting physician is employed in the government facility where tests are conducted—otherwise the discount applies only upon final evaluation of the facility as medically necessary.
Rehabilitation and other specialized services prescribed by an attending physician or rehabilitation specialist, including purchase of assistive devices by PWDs, are given a 20% discount.
Dental services that are deemed medically necessary by the attending dentist are granted either free of charge (for medically subsidized contexts described) or granted 20% discount (for pay sections), consistent with the Order’s subsections.
In government facilities, if the PWD is a PhilHealth member/dependent, charges must first be deducted/charged to PhilHealth benefits coverage so the facility can then exercise its right to reimbursement/coverage for subsidized services. In private facilities, the 20% discount shall not be charged to the PWD’s PhilHealth benefits coverage; only the 80% the PWD is expected to shoulder may be charged to PhilHealth.
Drugstores must provide designated PWD special lanes and maintain special record books for PWDs subject to inspection. Government facilities must post price lists and the Administrative Order in conspicuous places; private facilities must post room rates and make diagnostic/lab pricing available upon request, and issue receipts reflecting usual and discounted prices.
Government facilities must post hospital room rates, laboratory/diagnostic fees, medicine prices, and other fees in conspicuous places; submit price lists annually to DOH’s relevant center and PhilHealth; post the Order where PWDs can access it; issue official receipts; and must not apply any income means test. Medical Social Worker classification is used for the remaining balance and to evaluate eligibility for free services.
For persons who violate provisions: first violation carries a fine (P50,000–P100,000) and imprisonment (6 months–2 years); subsequent violations carry a fine (P100,000–P200,000) and imprisonment (2–6 years). Abuse of privileges may carry a fine (P5,000–P50,000) and imprisonment (at least 6 months). For corporate offenders, the officials directly involved are liable, and authorities may cancel/revoke permits or privileges after due notice and hearing.
It takes effect immediately after publication in two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.