BCBMPC ENSURES PHILHEALTH COVERAGE OF THEIR MEMBERS

by: Gil E. Miranda

Baug CARP Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Popularly known as BCBMPC is presently facilitating the health insurance coverage of members through a memorandum of agreement with PhilHealth with their National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) or likewise known as Kalusugang Sigurado at Abot-kaya sa PhilHealth Insurance, (KASAPI), in 22 Agrarian Reform Communities, (ARCs) throughout Agusan del Norte before the year ends.

PhilHealth Assistant Vice President Johnny Y. Sychua officially handed over the one (1) unit computer with genuine copy of KASAPI Membership Information System (KMIS), software installed on it to BCBMPC officials (left-right) Hazel B. Canoy, BCBMPC Manager Luxmie B. Auxillo and ExeCom and formerly BOD Chairman Jimmy L. Beray. Also in photo are (R-L) BOD Carmen D. Vasquez, BOD Juanito Biyok (Blue Poloshirt) and BOD Juanito A. Tiu.

Sometime in June 2006, ExeCom and formerly BOD Chairman Jimmy L. Beray and PhilHealth Regional Assistant Vice President Johnny Y. Sychua, discussed about the basic social protection mechanism, specifically on health insurance. As a result, KASAPI was jointly implemented to reach out the quality health care services for underprivileged members per Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on November 13, 2006.

The MOA between BCBMPC and the PhilHealth will enable members to enjoy access to quality health care services in the PhilHealth-accredited health care institutions in the province. This initiative was facilitated by DAR Regional Director Felix B. Aguhob.

Signing of MOA between BCBMPC and the PhilHealth will enable to ensure the continuous access to quality health care benefits of BCBMPC members under the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP). (photo left): PARO II Andre B. Atega officially signs the MOA; (photo right) extreme left: CARPO Laudecia F. Aquiatan, Hazel B. Canoy, PhilHealth Point Person, and Luxmie B. Auxillo, BCBMPC Manager also signs the MOA.

As stipulated in the MOA, BCBMPC, as an organized group, undertakes PhilHealth programs in the expansion of its social health insurance scheme: to carry out marketing strategy by way of education & communication campaign & advocacy; collection and monitoring for the coverage of the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and informal sector under the individually paying program (IPP); at least 700 enrolees is required; and in the distribution of PhilHealth cards.

The agreement aims to provide the workers from informal sector an access to basic social health care services in quality and affordable scheme, and to sustain in their wellness resulting to improve their productivity and greater income as well as in realization of the mandate of DAR in providing accessible, affordable, quality health care services for the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries, (ARBs) as only chance out poverty is in their health.

With the excellent teamwork of the BCBMPC and PhilHealth officials, they found out that the program gives positive impact to the cooperative and to their members and brought it to its current status. One that can be relied on by the members and one that they are proud of.

At present, the recruitment of ARB-members and other workers are still on-going. PhilHealth, Inc. handed-over one (1) unit computer with genuine copy of KASAPI Membership Information System, (KMIS) software installed on it. The cooperative sent the concerned staff to undergo a comprehensive training in Manila for the smooth and proper implementation of the partnership with PhilHealth.

The Board of Directors of Baug CARP Multi-Purpose Cooperative are very optimistic and had always been a dreamed not far from the horizon to open up other intervention for the benefits of its members.