Qualified working solo parents can now keep more of their salaries as the national government takes over their share of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation contributions, implementing a provision of the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act that Bagong Henerasyon chairperson Bernadette Herrera helped author and champion.
Herrera, one of the principal authors of Republic Act 11861, pushed for the law’s full implementation after its passage in 2022. PhilHealth is now briefing company human resources teams on how to apply the benefit through payroll.
“Matagal kong ipinaglalaban ito para sa inyo. Nagbunga na, so finally makikita niyo at mararamdaman niyo na ito. Ito po ay regalo ng PhilHealth sa atin,” Herrera said when implementation was announced.
During September hearings on the proposed 2027 health budget, Bagong Henerasyon Rep. Robert Nazal pressed officials on when the government would cover employed solo parents’ premium share. Bataan Rep. Albert Garcia relayed confirmation that implementation was underway.
Under PhilHealth Circular 2026-0015, the government covers the employee’s half of the premium while employers continue paying theirs. The arrangement applies to qualified public and private workers regardless of salary once their PhilHealth records reflect solo-parent status.
“This means that their employers will no longer deduct PhilHealth contributions from their salaries,” PhilHealth Capiz information officer Mary Jane Amigo explained.
A November 3 Philippine Information Agency report confirmed that PhilHealth regional official Arturo Ardiente was coordinating with company HR teams on payroll processing.
Eligible workers need a valid Solo Parent Identification Card and must submit a PhilHealth Member Registration Form and copies of the ID to HR for processing.
The expanded coverage also includes qualified dependent children aged 22 and below, with access to YAKAP primary care and GAMOT outpatient medicines.
As employers update payroll records, working solo parents can check their payslips and secure the financial relief provided under the law Herrera helped author.
