Question & AnswerQ&A (OWWA MEMORANDUM OF INSTRUCTIONS NO. 018, S. 1995)
All Filipino overseas contract workers (OCWs) shall be covered by the Medical Care Program for OCWs (MCPO), provided they are members of the OWWA fund.
OCWs who are active voluntary members of either the Social Security System (SSS) or the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), and those who have at least 2 months of unexpired coverage in the Medicare Program for OCWs are exempted from mandatory coverage.
The documentary requirements include: 1) Official Receipts of SSS/GSIS premium payment for the current quarter, or 2) Certificate of active SSS/GSIS voluntary membership status.
Documented workers must submit a filled-up Medicare Information Sheet (MIS) and payment of the Medicare Premium as additional requirements.
Undocumented workers must present proof of Welfare Fund Contribution in addition to the requirements for documented workers.
The annual premium is P900.00 or its equivalent in US dollars. Payment is evidenced by an Official Receipt issued by the designated cashier upon submission of documentary requirements.
The MEC serves as proof of membership to the Medicare Program for OCWs. It must be presented to the accredited hospital to avail medical services and is mailed to the worker's beneficiaries prior to coverage effectivity.
Initial deposit is made when collection reaches a minimum maintaining balance, after which daily deposits are made, preferably through the Land Bank's representative office. Deposit slips come in triplicate for bank validation and record distribution.
All collections are remitted to the Capital Fund of OWWA-Medicare maintained at the Land Bank of the Philippines during the first week of the succeeding month.
The cashier must maintain a daily Cash Book, and submit a Monthly Report of Collection and Report of Accountability during the first week of the succeeding month. In addition, a Bank Book and Statement of Account are kept at the post.