A lawmaker in the Philippines has called on the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to provide full coverage for cancer treatment, heart bypass surgery, and major hospital operations. AGRI Partylist Rep. Wilbert Lee has emphasized the need for PhilHealth to increase its benefits by 30 percent to address the high costs associated with these medical procedures.
According to Lee, the current coverage offered by PhilHealth, ranging from P150,000 to P600,000 for the entire course of treatment, is insufficient considering the millions of pesos required for these illnesses. In the case of cancer, installment treatment is not feasible, necessitating unlimited coverage. Lee stressed that PhilHealth should cover all necessary expenses for cancer treatment.
Similarly, heart bypass and coronary artery bypass surgeries come with hefty price tags, but PhilHealth’s coverage is capped at P500,000. Lee believes that this limit is inadequate and aims to go beyond the proposed 30 percent increase in benefits during the deliberations of the 2024 budget. He recognizes that even doubling the benefits may still fall short of meeting the financial demands faced by PhilHealth members.
Lee’s push to expand healthcare packages and coverage stems from complaints he received regarding hospitals refusing to accept indigent patients due to the inability to pay doctors and employees, primarily caused by PhilHealth’s significant debts. During the discussions on the proposed 2024 budget of the Department of Health, PhilHealth informed Lee that it possessed P466 billion worth of investible funds and a net income of P68.4 billion.
To address these concerns, Lee filed House Resolution 1407, urging PhilHealth to update and increase its coverage by 30 percent. He argues that the current case rate is no longer responsive to the rising hospitalization costs faced by beneficiaries. PhilHealth plans to implement the increased case rates on February 14.
Additionally, Lee has called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to temporarily suspend the implementation of the PhilHealth premium rate hike from 4 percent to 5 percent in the current year. His aim is to alleviate the burden on citizens and reduce their worries about accumulating debt when seeking medical treatment.
The demand for expanded coverage and increased benefits reflects the growing need for accessible and affordable healthcare in the Philippines. By addressing the limitations of current insurance coverage, PhilHealth can ensure that its members receive the necessary treatments without facing financial hardship.
It is essential for PhilHealth to consider the financial implications of these medical procedures and the impact they have on individuals and families. By providing comprehensive coverage for cancer treatment, heart bypass surgery, and major hospital operations, PhilHealth can alleviate the financial burden on its members and promote better access to quality healthcare.
In conclusion, the call for PhilHealth to fully cover cancer treatment, heart bypass surgery, and major hospital operations highlights the need for expanded insurance coverage in the Philippines. AGRI Partylist Rep. Wilbert Lee’s efforts to increase benefits by 30 percent aim to address the high costs associated with these medical procedures. By updating and expanding its coverage, PhilHealth can ensure that its members receive the necessary treatments without facing financial hardship.
Source: The Manila Times
