Wider coverage for benefits on mental health pushed
Senator Risa Hontiveros and former Miss International Kylie Verzosa led the campaign to boost mental health awareness as they call on health maintenance organizations (HMOs) to provide wider coverage on benefits dealing with mental health. "There is an encouragement in the mental health law that calls for HMOs to include and expand specific mental health conditions," says Hontiveros, who was guest of honor, during the Mental Health Matters Fair held at Crown Spaces, a co-working and event space, in Makati City August 18. Hontiveros adds: "There are human resources directors who tell me that they are really hesitant to hire people with mental condition not just in the schools, not just in our families, not just in government but also in the workplace and private sector. There is a stigma or discrimination to be broken." "People with mental condition have the right to education, right of work and live optimally so we need to end that attitude," ...