BONG GO’S PERSISTENCE LEADS TO MAJOR PHILHEALTH REFORMS, INCLUDING ADJUSTED CASE RATES FOR BETTER HEALTHCARE ACCESS

PhilHealth has implemented significant reforms under the watchful eye of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Senate Health Committee Chairperson and a staunch advocate for healthcare improvements.

Among the most notable is a substantial adjustment in case rates, which have been increased by up to 50% across the board as of November 30. This development aims to lessen the financial burden on Filipino patients and improve access to essential medical services.

Senator Go recognized for his tireless health reforms crusade, highlighted the importance of ensuring that PhilHealth delivers on its mandate to provide equitable healthcare coverage for all.

“Sa hirap ng buhay ngayon, kailangan nating siguraduhin na abot-kamay ang serbisyong pangkalusugan para sa bawat Pilipino. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit patuloy nating tinututukan ang PhilHealth upang masigurado na tumutugon ito sa pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan,” he stated.

These reforms were presented during a December 18 hearing conducted by the Senate Committee on Health, which Senator Go presides over as Chairperson. PhilHealth Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Eli Dino Santos reported on the agency’s progress, including the adjusted case rates.

“For the second item, increase and adjust case rates by up to 50% across the board by November 30, 2024. We have already accomplished this, Mr. Chairperson,” Santos confirmed during the hearing.

Senator Go underscored the need for sustainability in PhilHealth’s programs, emphasizing the importance of financial stability to support expanded benefits and efficient claims processing.

“Hindi lang dapat sa dami ng benepisyo tayo magaling. Dapat siguraduhin din natin na kayang pondohan ito ng PhilHealth sa mahabang panahon. Ang kalusugan ng Pilipino ang dapat nating prayoridad,” he said.

Senator Go, as the author and sponsor of numerous health-related measures, remains steadfast in advocating for reforms that close gaps in healthcare access.

“Kailangan nating gawing pantay-pantay ang serbisyong pangkalusugan sa buong bansa. Hindi pwedeng ang mayayaman lang ang nakikinabang. Ang laban para sa kalusugan ay laban para sa bawat Pilipino,” Senator Go remarked.

The reforms being implemented by PhilHealth championed through the leadership of Senator Go, mark a significant step forward in ensuring that all Filipinos have access to affordable and high-quality healthcare.

So far, Go has authored 16 laws, principally sponsored 80 laws including 78 measures for the establishment or upgrade of public hospitals, and co-authored or co-sponsored 185 other laws.