QC to renew accident insurance coverage for elderly

MANILA, Philippines - The Quezon City government is set to renew its agreement with the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) for providing accident insurance coverage to the city’s senior citizens.

Mayor Herbert Bautista said the city government will shell out at least P5.2 million as premium payments to the GSIS.

Under the GSIS personal accident insurance policy, the insured can claim an indemnity of P50,000 for accidental death and a medical reimbursement of P5,000.  Benefits also include a P10,000 burial assistance.

The insurance coverage, however, does not cover death by sickness or old age.

About 170,000 elderly residents whose age range from 60 to 80 years old are expected to benefit from the program, which was first launched by the city government in 2009.

Bautista will lead city officials in re-launching the program, which has been considered a pioneering effort by a local government unit.

The city’s office for senior citizens’ affairs, headed by Lino Illera, coordinates the implementation of programs and activities for the benefit of the city’s elderly residents. – Rhodina Villanueva