Aging & Society: Eighth Interdisciplinary Conference

Abstract

The demographic transition in the Philippines challenges the readiness and capacity of the current health policies, programs, and resources in providing adequate and quality care to the elderly. The paper conducted two methodologies to validate the perspectives in the care delivery system and the patient level. First, a key informant interview of a health professional that renders geriatric care in the community setting was conducted. Second, the level of knowledge of the elderly about their Philhealth entitlements and services received was assessed through a one-on-one interview. Data showed several crucial findings that require interventions: resources are deemed inadequate for the proliferating number of elderly seeking consultation, many reported that they are not enrolled in Philhealth despite the mandatory membership of the senior citizens declared by the law, some are covered but the utilization of services remain low despite the presence of chronic medical conditions, and regardless of membership status, majority have low or no knowledge of Philhealth and its benefits. The identified issues suggest a reconstruction of the current health insurance policy which would gear towards higher utilization of health services for the improvement of the older people’s quality of life.