PhilHealth announced on Monday that its updated membership and registration forms will include a field for declaring a health proxy. This allows members to designate someone to act on their behalf in healthcare emergencies. For Quezon City residents, this policy makes it easier for solo parents, OFWs, and LGBTQ+ members to ensure someone trusted can make medical decisions for them during emergencies. It improves access to healthcare without requiring a separate legal process at the point of care. The updated membership and registration forms will include a health proxy declaration field, according to PhilHealth Vice President Dr. Joseph Lachica. Members should monitor PhilHealth’s official announcements for when the updated forms become available and what information will be required.
Background
A healthcare proxy is a legal instrument that appoints an agent to make healthcare decisions for a patient who is unable to do so. PhilHealth’s move aims to help vulnerable groups such as solo parents, OFWs, and LGBTQ+ members by embedding this designation directly into its membership form. This simplifies the process and ensures healthcare providers can recognize the designated proxy during emergencies.
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