AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee on Tuesday reiterated the need for Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to increase the coverage it offers its members as he stressed that the agency had the funds to cover much-needed increases in members’ benefits.
According to the Bicolano lawmaker, “PhilHealth is in a position to provide a 20% to 30% across-the-board increase of its offered health benefits.”
“As I previously pointed out, while we recognize the mandate of the PhilHealth to invest its income for its corporate survival, a more responsive and impactful health insurance program and the welfare of its contributors and beneficiaries are far more important and must be prioritized by PhilHealth.”
In a letter addressed to PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. dated 23 October 2023, Lee said that “given the enormous funds that are still in PhilHealth’s investment platforms and its partner banks, I would like to formally request in writing and recommend to the PhilHealth management a 20%-30% increase in all benefit packages and coverage provided by the Corporation.”
Lee explained in the letter that “PhilHealth’s case rate must be updated as it is no longer responsive to the hospitalization cost of the beneficiaries.
“As I previously pointed out, while we recognize the mandate of the PhilHealth to invest its income for its corporate survival, a more responsive and impactful health insurance program and the welfare of its contributors and beneficiaries are far more important and must be prioritized by PhilHealth,” added the legislator in his letter.
Lee emphasized that “sa panahon na walang humpay ang pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin, malaking tulong sa ating mga kababayan ang karagdagang benepisyo.”
“Siguradong Winner Tayo Lahat kung tataasan ng PhilHealth ng 20 percent-30 percent ang sinasagot nitong mga bayarin.”
“Kung may bilyon-bilyong pondo ang PhilHealth,” said Lee, “dapat mas mapalawak ang benepisyo sa mga miyembro nito. Dapat fully ma-implement na rin yung outpatient benefit packages na covered ng ahensya tulad ng XRay, MRI, at madagdagan ang mga sinasagot nitong generic medicines, as well as the enhancement of benefit package for severe pneumonia acute hemorrhages.”
Lee assured the public that he would continue to look for ways to improve the country’s healthcare system and make it more responsive to the needs of Filipinos.
“Napakahalaga ng ating kalusugan dahil ito ay Wealth That Lasts. At ngayong tayo ay nasa new normal, patuloy po tayong maghahain ng mga panukala na magpapabuti sa antas ng pangangalaga ng kalusugan ng lahat ng Pilipino.”
