“PRIORITIZE POOR AND INDIGENT PATIENTS” — BONG GO REMINDS PHILHEALTH TO EXPAND BENEFIT PACKAGES, INCREASE CASE RATES, LOWER PREMIUM CONTRIBUTIONS AMID EXCESS FUNDS

During a public hearing on Tuesday, August 20, conducted by the Senate Committee on Health led by its Chairperson Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, he highlighted the challenges faced by patients relying on the government support and the disproportionate services and packages offered by PhilHealth amid the availability of excess funds.

“Kaya naman muli nating hinihimok ang PhilHealth na gamitin ang pondo nito sa pagpapalawak ng mga benepisyo, pagtataas ng case rates para sa may sakit, at babaan ang premium contributions ng mga miyembro nito,” Go said after the hearing.

“Hindi katanggap-tanggap na PhP500 bilyon ang reserve fund ng PhilHealth, kasama ang PhP90 bilyon excess funds na ibabalik sa National Treasury habang marami pa ring pasyente ang naghihingalo at walang pambayad sa ospital,” he added.

During the hearing, Go detailed the complex processes patients face to secure funding support from government for hospital bills through various agencies. He suggested that PhilHealth, with its significant reserves, could substantially ease this burden.

“We found out na ang dami pong pondo ng PhilHealth. So mas malaki ‘yun eh. PhP500 billion ‘yung reserve funds ng PhilHealth. While ito, limited lang po itong (medical assistance mula ibang ahensya), nag-aagawan pa ang ating mga kababayan,” said Go.

DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo also highlighted the critical role of Malasakit Centers as comprehensive support hubs for indigent patients, functioning as a one-stop shop for medical assistance programs. “Malaki po ang tulong ng Malasakit Center bilang one-stop shop,” he stated.

The DOH further explained the order of charging in Malasakit Centers, where PhilHealth often stands first in line in covering a portion of hospital charges. With this, Domingo explained that if PhilHealth assistance availed through Malasakit Centers can be increased to cover a substantial amount of the hospital bill, medical assistance from other agencies such as DOH, DSWD and PCSO may not be necessary.

Meanwhile, Go reminded DOH to ensure that no patient is denied medical assistance due to financial incapacity. This is solidified by a standing department order, as confirmed by Asec. Domingo. “Meron pa rin po. Nag-e-exist pa rin po ‘yung department order ni Secretary Ted Herbosa with regards po dun sa walang pasyente na matatanggihan po,” he confirmed.

Go further emphasized the need for better utilization of available resources to expand benefit packages and move closer to achieving genuine zero billing as envisioned in the Universal Healthcare Law.

Meanwhile, Senator Grace Poe opened another discussion about the status of PhilHealth’s substantial reserve funds. She questioned PhilHealth President Ledesma about the transparency and timely use of these funds, emphasizing the need for better utilization to expand health coverage.

PhilHealth President Mandy Ledesma was also questioned extensively on his tenure and the initiatives he introduced to enhance the benefits and services provided by PhilHealth. He highlighted that during his leadership, there have been significant improvements in the benefits packages, with a notable 30% increase across the board, and plans for another 30% increase by year-end. These enhancements were intended to address long-standing stagnation in case package enhancements, dating back over a decade.

Meanwhile, amid concerns about public awareness of PhilHealth benefits, Ledesma emphasized the importance of improving information dissemination. “Some people don’t even know that they are a member of PhilHealth. People are saying, we keep on increasing our benefit packages, but if the information doesn’t reach the far-flung areas, it’s useless.”

Go emphasized the necessity for PhilHealth to prioritize effective service delivery and the importance of continuing to address the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable populations: “Anyway, let me remind you (Ledesma). Aside from your job to collect, collect, collect, please prioritize and help, help, help the poor patients. Please, President Ledesma.”