Living alone and being far away from family and friends is difficult for everyone, especially for OFWs. It is more challenging when they get sick and can’t go to work. When you are sick, the money that you tried so hard to earn and save will just go to your medical bills. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) cares a lot about the OFWs’ welfare and well-being and because of this, they come up with a program that will help them when they get sick. It is called Supplemental Medical Assistance for OFWs (MEDplus).
The Medplus is a program under the Welfare Assistance Program (WAP). This program provides medical assistance from OWWA and PhilHealth. Eligible applicants will receive a one-time financial grant that they can use to pay their medical bills or buy medicine.
MEDplus Benefits
Eligible OFWs and their beneficiaries who are entitled to apply to the MEDplus program can receive a one-time financial assistance of up to Php 50,000. Applicants can only apply for one diagnosed illness. Applicants may apply multiple times but the application must be for the same diagnosed illnesses they initially applied for. The MEDplus provides financial grants for medical procedure and surgical procedures for the following illnesses.
- Heart Disease
- Liver Disease
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- All Types of Cancer
MEDplus Qualifications
The MEDplus is a program created by the partnership of OWWA and PhilHealth. In relation to this, eligible applicants must be active members of both OWWA and PhilHealth and diagnosed with a DREADED DISEASE. This means being injured and or a crime victim will not fall into this category and is not covered by MEDplus.
- Active OWWA Member. All active OWWA members can apply for MEDplus whether they are in their host country or vacationing in the Philippines.
- Inactive OWWA Member. OFWs who have inactive OWWA membership can still apply within 60 days (2 months) after the membership expires. After 60 days, inactive members are not eligible to apply anymore.
MEDplus Requirements
The OWWA and PhiliHealth prepared a list of requirements that applicants must provide when applying for this program.
If the applicant is the Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW):
- MEDplus application form
- OFW Membership Record (MR)
- One Passport-Size Photo
- Valid Passport
- Valid government-issued identification card
- Member Data Record from PhilHealth
- A Medical Certificate from a legitimate medical institution or facility
If the claimant is the OFW’s family member:
- Duly Notarized Special Power of Attorney executed by the OFW
- Death Certificate of the deceased OFW (If the OFW is already deceased)
- Proof of relation:
- Marriage Contract – for spouse
- Birth Certificate – for OFW parents or children
- Certificate of No Marriage – for Single OFW
Make sure to double-check all your documents if they are complete. Incomplete requirements will not be processed.
MEDplus Application Process
Before going to any Philippine government, it is highly encouraged to contact the office first and ask if they require appointment booking or if they allow walk-in applicants. You also must check your documentary requirements to make sure that you are not wasting time and resources in going to the office. If you have all the requirements, follow these easy steps on how to apply for the MEDplus program.
Step 1: Go to the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) where your permanent home address is. If the OFW is still abroad, go to the nearest Philippine Overseas Labor Offices in your host country.
Step 2: Get a queueing number and wait to be called.
Step 3: Once called, present your OWWA Membership Record (MR) or OFW identification card to the Membership Verification Desk or Social Benefits Unit.
Step 4: Submit your application form and all the documentary requirements you have gathered. The OWWA officers will assess and evaluate your documents.
Step 5: Once approved, you will be given a claim stub. Use the claim stub to get financial assistance through a check or cash payout.
Step 6: Once you have the check, proceed to the Cashier-Releasing Window and present two (2) valid government-issued identification documents such as Passport, Voeter’s ID, Company ID, Driver’s License, Senior Citizen ID, NBI Clearance (Original and Valid), PRC License, etc.
The processing duration in the MEDplus program is three (3) business days and it starts when PhilHealth confirms your benefit payment. So be sure that your PhilHealth membership and contribution are updated.
Video: OWWA MEDICAL ASSISTANCE THANK YOU!! ||Cora Domantay
Watch this video by Cora Zone VLOG as she narrates her experience in applying for the OWWA Medical Assistance program.
Video: OWWA Supplemental Assistance Program for OFWs (MEDplus)
You may also want to watch this video by OWWA Asmd. This video provides detailed information on MEDplus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MEDplus?
The Supplemental Medical Assistance for OFWs (MEDplus) is a program that aims to help OFWs and their beneficiaries with their medical bills.
Who is eligible for the MEDplus program?
To apply for this program, the OFW must be an active member of OWWA and PhilHealth. This means that the contribution to PhilHealth must also be updated.
If my PhilHealth is updated but my OWWA membership has already expired, can I still apply for the MEDplus program?
Yes, but you only have 60 days after the expiration of your membership. After 60 days, you can not apply for the MEDplus program.
Can I apply for MEDplus for any diagnosed diseases?
The MEDplus program only grants financial assistance to one DREADED DISEASE per member. This means crime victims and accidents are not covered by this program.
Summary
We always hear the phrase ‘Health is Wealth’, however, most Filipinos do not prioritize their health. We work hard to earn money but once we get sick, the money that we tried so hard to save will be thrown to hospital and medical bills.
Luckily, the OWWA acknowledges the importance of health by creating a program that will help OFWs who are suffering from a dreaded disease. The MEDplus will provide comfort in knowing that there is a program that will help you in times of need.