Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 195)
The main purpose of Executive Order No. 195 is to provide a medical care program to Filipino Overseas Contract Workers and their dependents and to prescribe the mechanism for its implementation.
Filipino Overseas Contract Workers are Filipinos recruited for employment abroad, who shall be compulsorily covered by the Philippine Medical Care Program under this Executive Order.
Yes, dependents of Filipino Overseas Contract Workers are also covered with Medicare benefits through the membership of the contract worker.
No, Filipino Overseas Contract Workers are compulsorily covered by the Philippine Medical Care Program without having to enroll themselves as SSS members.
The premium contributions and benefits for Filipino Overseas Contract Workers and their dependents are the same as those provided for SSS members under Program I of the Philippine Medical Care Plan.
No, the compulsory coverage does not apply to overseas Filipino workers who already have existing coverage of the Philippine Medical Care Program acquired through SSS voluntary basis coverage.
The Philippine Medical Care Commission (PMCC), Social Security System (SSS), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) are responsible for implementation.
The services, facilities, and staff of the PMCC, SSS, DOLE through OWWA and POEA, and DFA shall be utilized for the implementation of this Order.
The OWWA shall provide the seed money necessary to start the operations of the program and shall administer the program funds which shall be kept distinct and separate from other OWWA funds.
This Executive Order took effect immediately upon its signing on August 13, 1994.
The compulsory coverage is pursuant to Section 31 of P.D. 1519, as amended, also known as the Philippine Medical Care Law.