A new proposal has been filed in the House of Representatives seeking to prohibit health maintenance organizations (HMOs) from denying or restricting healthcare coverage for senior citizens based solely on age.

House Bill 2722, or the “Anti-Age Discrimination in Health Care Services Act,” was introduced by Rep. Rodolfo “Ompong” M. Ordanes of the Senior Citizens Party-list, RH Milky Rigonan reported.

The proposed legislation aims to address age-based discrimination in the private healthcare sector and ensure equal access to medical services for older Filipinos.

The bill seeks to prevent HMOs and related providers from rejecting senior citizens, charging them higher premiums, or offering limited benefits due to their age.

It also disallows the imposition of age limits in enrollment or renewal of coverage and penalizes entities that impose excessive fees or reduce benefits without valid justification.

Ordanes noted that despite existing protections under the Expanded Senior Citizens Act, many elderly individuals still face discrimination from private healthcare providers. The measure aims to correct these practices and promote fair treatment for all, regardless of age.

If enacted, the proposed law would strengthen the rights of senior citizens to affordable and inclusive healthcare services in both public and private sectors.