A lawmaker in the Philippines has called for the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to prioritize using its funds to aid indigent patients, rather than acting solely as a repository for investments. AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee highlighted that PhilHealth currently holds over P466 billion in investible funds, in addition to government subsidies amounting to P100 billion. However, despite the substantial amount of money at its disposal, PhilHealth has only been covering a small fraction of its members’ medical bills.
According to Lee, many PhilHealth members are unable to fully benefit from the insurance because their out-of-pocket expenses remain high. He shared stories of individuals who had to pay significant medical bills, with PhilHealth only deducting a minimal amount of P3,000. These experiences highlight the need for PhilHealth to enhance its support for its members.
During a recent House of Representatives meeting, PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. informed Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez that the organization was planning to increase its benefit packages. The coverage rate had already been raised by 30 percent starting from February 14. However, Lee emphasized that certain illnesses, such as cancer, require expensive treatments, necessitating even greater assistance from PhilHealth.
Lee emphasized that there is no set rule dictating how much PhilHealth should invest. While he acknowledged the possibility of utilizing excess funds for investments, he stressed that the organization’s primary mandate should be to provide quality services. In his view, if PhilHealth’s services are of high quality, then investments can be considered. However, the focus should always be on improving the healthcare services provided to members.
To address the financial aspect, Lee proposed that wealthy Filipinos contribute higher amounts to PhilHealth, while exempting the poor from such contributions. This approach aims to create a more equitable system that ensures those who can afford to contribute more do so, while also protecting the vulnerable and less fortunate.
It is crucial for PhilHealth to prioritize its role as a healthcare provider rather than solely focusing on investment opportunities. By redirecting their funds towards aiding indigent patients, PhilHealth can make a significant impact on the healthcare landscape in the Philippines. This shift in focus will alleviate the burden of high out-of-pocket expenses for members and ensure that the benefits of their insurance coverage are truly felt.
In conclusion, AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee’s call for PhilHealth to utilize its funds to assist indigent patients reflects the need for a more patient-centric approach. PhilHealth’s substantial financial resources should be channeled towards improving healthcare services and reducing the financial burden on its members. By implementing these changes, PhilHealth can fulfill its mandate of providing accessible and affordable healthcare to all Filipinos, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
Source: The Manila Times
