Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for PCSO Medical Assistance in Cebu

The PCSO Medical Assistance, also known as the Individual Medical Assistance Program (IMAP), is a program offered by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to provide financial aid to Filipinos in need of medical assistance. The program aims to help Filipino citizens who are facing difficulties in covering their medical expenses, such as hospital bills, medications, laboratory tests, and medical procedures.

Also read: CHAMP: A Guide to City Hospitalization Assistance in Cebu 

Through IMAP, the PCSO offers financial support in the form of a Guarantee Letter (GL), which can be used at partner hospitals, pharmacies, or medical suppliers to cover a portion of the medical expenses. The amount of assistance provided depends on the patient’s needs and the available resources of the PCSO.

Criteria to Quality for PCSO Medical Assistance

To check your eligibility for the PCSO Medical Assistance program, also known as the Individual Medical Assistance Program (IMAP), consider the following general criteria:

1. Filipino Citizenship: Applicants must be Filipino citizens in need of financial support for medical expenses.

2. Indigency or Financial Hardship: Applicants should be able to demonstrate financial hardship or indigency, which may require a barangay certificate or endorsement from a social worker.

3. Valid Identification: Applicants and their representatives (if the patient cannot apply personally) must possess a valid government-issued ID.

4. Medical Necessity: The assistance requested should be for genuine medical needs, such as hospital bills, medications, laboratory tests, or medical procedures.

5. Documentation: Applicants must provide relevant medical documents, such as a medical abstract or medical certificate signed by the attending physician, detailed hospital bill or statement of account, and official price quotation for medicines, medical supplies, or devices (if applicable).

Please note that these general eligibility criteria may vary depending on your local PCSO office. It is essential to contact your local PCSO office for specific eligibility requirements and to confirm if you qualify for the program.

Requirements for PCSO Medical Assistance

To apply for the PCSO Medical Assistance program, also known as the Individual Medical Assistance Program (IMAP), you will need to gather the following required documents:

1. PCSO IMAP Application Form: Obtain and complete the IMAP application form, which can be acquired from your local PCSO office.
2. Medical Abstract or Medical Certificate: Provide an original or certified true copy of the medical abstract or medical certificate, signed by the attending physician with their license number.
3. Hospital Bill or Statement of Account: If the patient is confined, submit a detailed hospital bill or statement of account.
4. Official Price Quotation: If applicable, provide an official price quotation for medicines, medical supplies, or devices needed for treatment.
5. Valid Government-issued ID: Present a valid government-issued ID for both the patient and the representative (if the patient cannot apply personally).
6. Proof of Indigency or Financial Hardship: Submit proof of indigency, such as a barangay certificate or an endorsement from a social worker, to demonstrate financial hardship.

Please note that the specific requirements may vary depending on your local PCSO office. It is essential to contact your local PCSO office for the most accurate and up-to-date information about the required documents for the application process.

Steps on How to Apply for PCSO Medical Assistance in Cebu

To apply for the PCSO Medical Assistance Program, also known as the Individual Medical Assistance Program (IMAP), follow this step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for PCSO medical assistance, which is generally available to Filipino citizens who require financial support for medical expenses. Contact your local PCSO office for specific eligibility requirements.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Prepare the necessary documents for your application, which may include:

• Duly accomplished PCSO IMAP application form
• Original or certified true copy of the medical abstract/medical certificate with the attending physician’s signature and license number
• Detailed hospital bill or statement of account, if confined
• Official price quotation for medicines, medical supplies, or devices, if applicable
• Valid government-issued ID of the patient and the representative (if the patient cannot apply personally)
• Proof of indigency, such as a barangay certificate or endorsement from a social worker

Step 3: Visit Your Local PCSO Office

Go to your local PCSO office to inquire about the application process and request an IMAP application form.

Step 4: Submit Application Form and Documents

Fill out the application form accurately and provide all required information. Attach the necessary documents to support your application. Submit your completed application form and required documents to your local PCSO office.

Step 5: Wait for Approval

The PCSO will evaluate your application and determine if you qualify for medical assistance. The processing time may vary depending on the workload and availability of resources. The PCSO office will inform you about the status of your application.

Step 6: Claim Guarantee Letter

If your application is approved, the PCSO will issue a Guarantee Letter (GL) specifying the amount of assistance granted. Present the GL to the hospital, pharmacy, or medical supplier to avail of the financial assistance.

Please note that the specific application process and requirements may vary depending on your local PCSO office. It is essential to contact your local PCSO office for the most accurate and up-to-date information about the application process.

Steps to Apply for Medical/Financial Assistance through the NCR-MAP Online Application

1. Gather documentary requirements: Compile all the necessary documents for your application.
2. Scan your documents: Create digital copies of all required documents by scanning them.
3. Access the PCSO website: Visit the official PCSO website at www.pcso.gov.ph, click on ‘E-Services,’ and select ‘NCR Online Application for Medical Assistance‘ to initiate your application.
4. Fill out the application form: Provide the necessary information and patient details in the online form.
5. Upload scanned documents: Add the digital copies of your documents to the online system.
6. Await email notification: Within 24 hours, you should receive an email regarding the status of your request. If approved, print the Guarantee Letter (GL) and MAP application form.
7. Submit printed documents: Present the printed Guarantee Letter and MAP application form along with the complete documentary requirements to the Hospital, Dialysis Center, partner health facility (PHF), medicine retailer, or Diagnostic Center.
8. Receive email confirmation: An email notification with the final status of your request will be sent within 24 hours after submitting the application and all required documents.

NOTE: The MAP NCR Online application is open from Monday to Friday, starting at 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. If your application is not processed, you can re-apply on the next business day.

Also read: Full List of Government Hospitals in Cebu

Essential Tips to Remember

1. One medical need per application: You can apply for assistance for only one medical need at a time.
2. Application window: Apply for assistance within six months from the date of discharge or treatment.
3. Frequency for dialysis and cancer patients: Dialysis patients can apply once every three months, while cancer patients can apply once every six months.
4. Application location: Submit your application at the PCSO branch office corresponding to the location of your hospital or health facility.
5. Using the Guarantee Letter (GL): Use your GL only at the hospital or health facility where you are receiving treatment or have an outstanding balance.
6. GL validity: The GL is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance, so ensure you use it within this timeframe.