Knowledge on and Membership in PhilHealth: The Case of Overseas Filipino Workers

Abstract

This paper describes the level of knowledge on and membership in PhilHealth (Philippine Health Insurance Corporation) among Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). It analytically examines the sociodemographic predictors of knowledge on and membership in PhilHealth. Results reveal that 76% of the respondents involved in the study are PhilHealth members. Generally, respondents' level of knowledge about the insurance is moderate. Results of regression analysis reveal that sex/gender (BETA = -.319) and income (BETA = .352) predict membership in PhilHealth. Meanwhile, income (BETA = .295) and marital status (BETA = -.164) predict the level of knowledge on PhilHealth. The results indicate that those with income above PhP40,000 (approximately USD785) are the ones knowledgeable about PhilHealth. Moreover, OFWs with partners are more knowledgeable about the insurance compared to those who are not married or without partners. The results offer several insights regarding PhilHealth membership among OFWs. First, OFWs with higher income tend to become members of PhilHealth. Second, women are less likely to become members, as many of them are working in the service sectors and are generally earning lower income than their male counterparts. This result indicates that women OFWs should be encouraged to become PhilHealth members, especially if their left-behind partners or husbands are not members. This is to ensure that left-behind family members will be able to access health services.

Keywords: Insurance; Overseas Filipino Workers; PhilHealth; knowledge on insurance.