Good news for working solo parents! Starting October, qualified employed solo parents will no longer have to shoulder their share of PhilHealth premiums. The National Government will cover the portion previously paid by the employee, while employers will continue paying their required share.
The change comes under PhilHealth Circular No. 2026-0015, which strengthens health insurance support for solo parents and their qualified children or dependents under Republic Act No. 11861, or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act.
Government Shoulders Their Share
Under the new rules, the National Government will take care of the employee portion of the PhilHealth premium for qualified solo parents, giving them additional savings from their monthly pay.
Once their membership record is updated, PhilHealth’s Electronic Premium Remittance System (EPRS) will recognize their solo-parent status, allowing the government-covered portion to be treated as non-collectible from the member.
For qualified workers, this means no more employee share to be deducted from their salary for PhilHealth premiumsonce their records are properly updated.
Who Can Get the Benefit?
The benefit is available to Filipino solo parents registered with their local government’s Solo Parent Office or Division.
A valid Solo Parent Identification Card (SPIC) is needed to receive the specific PhilHealth classification of “Indirect Contributor – Solo Parent.”
Employed solo parents generally need to provide:
- PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF)
- Front and back copies of their valid SPIC
- Employer certification confirming their employment
The documents may be processed through the employer’s PhilHealth representative, a PhilHealth office, or the Member Portal, subject to applicable procedures.
Keep Your SPIC Updated
Solo parents can continue enjoying this added support by keeping their SPIC valid and reporting renewals to PhilHealth.
The rules also provide coverage for qualified children and dependents listed on the SPIC, including certain unmarried and unemployed children aged 22 or below who depend on the solo parent, as well as children over 22 with qualifying disabilities. Certain relatives within the fourth civil degree may also qualify when properly declared.
Qualified solo parents and their dependents remain entitled to applicable PhilHealth benefits, including YAKAP and No Co-payment or No Balance Billing, subject to eligibility and validation rules.
With the government taking on the employee share, the new policy gives qualified solo parents one less expense to worry about while continuing to access PhilHealth protection for themselves and their families.
