Question & AnswerQ&A (DOH ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2009-0011)
Republic Act No. 9442 is an Act amending Republic Act No. 7277, also known as the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons. It provides additional privileges and incentives to persons with disabilities (PWDs), including discounts on medical services and medicines.
PWDs are entitled to at least a 20% discount on the purchase of medicines, medical and dental services including diagnostic and laboratory fees, and professional fees of attending doctors both in government and private health facilities.
All private and government hospitals, health-related facilities, health care professionals, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, pharmacies, and other establishments dispensing medicines in the Philippines.
A person with long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
They must present a PWD identification card and a doctor's prescription specifying details including the generic name, dosage, quantity, and physician's information. Purchases must be for their exclusive use.
Yes, services that are not medically necessary such as cosmetic surgical procedures, executive check-up packages, and physical examinations without clinical evidence of effectiveness shall not be granted discounts.
First violation: fine of P50,000 to P100,000 and imprisonment of 6 months to 2 years. Subsequent violations: fine of P100,000 to P200,000 and imprisonment of 2 to 6 years. Abuse of privileges includes fines of P5,000 to P50,000 and imprisonment of at least 6 months.
They must provide service wards with free or discounted medical, dental, and rehabilitation services, post hospital room rates and fees publicly, provide official receipts showing discounts, and not impose income means tests for free service eligibility.
PWD ID card, a valid doctor's prescription complying with specific details, and a purchase booklet issued by the local social or health office containing personal and purchase information.
Yes, private health facilities must grant a 20% discount for medical, dental, rehabilitation services, diagnostic and laboratory fees, professional fees, and the purchase of assistive devices to PWDs.
PhilHealth-covered charges must be deducted from the total bill before applying the 20% discount. For private hospitals, the 20% discount should not be charged to PhilHealth; only 80% of fees chargeable to PhilHealth may be applied.
Pharmacists must dispense medicines exclusively for PWDs, maintain a special record book for PWD transactions, provide official receipts showing discounts, and have a designated special lane for PWD customers.
Express lanes for PWDs must be provided; if not, priority should be given to them in all transactions. There should be an assigned person or section manned by trained personnel to assist PWDs.