Health insurance coverage and health care utilization of older persons in the Philippines

The number of Filipinos ages 60 and over is expected to increase from 6.8 million in 2010 to almost 10 million in 2020. However, previous studies indicate that the projected expansion in the size of the Filipino older population could also mean a corresponding increase in the number of persons with disability. In light of this projected scenario are there enough provisions, especially health insurance, to meet their future demands for health care?

Using the 2008 National Demographic Health Survey, this study aims to: a) present the characteristics of Filipino older persons covered by any health insurance system to identify which segment of this population should be targeted in the expansion of health insurance coverage; and b) examine the role of health insurance coverage in the health care utilization of older persons in the Philippines.

Preliminary results reveal that less than half (45.8%) of Filipino older persons are covered by health insurance, most common of which is the PhilHealth (35.7%). Coverage is higher among men, those who are younger, and those who are better educated and wealthier. Among those who were hospitalized in the past year significant proportion relies on health insurance, especially PhilHealth (41%), to cover their medical expenses.