As the P30 billion fund of the Philippine Health Insurance (PhilHealth) is scheduled to be transferred today to the National Treasury to fund unprogrammed appropriations, Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee reminds the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth of lowering the out-of-pocket medical expenses of Filipinos that they committed during the House Plenary budget deliberations.

Lee reiterates that PhilHealth’s excess funds should be used for expanding its health benefits. But even with the return of P89.9 billion to state coffers, there are still billions of available PhilHealth funds that he exposed last year, and there is no reason not to increase the state health insurer’s benefit packages.

“Naninindigan tayo na ang pondo para sa kalusugan ay dapat gamitin para sa kalusugan. Hindi ito dapat gamitin sa mga proyekto na di kasing halaga ng kalusugan ng ating mga kababayan, o sa proyektong wala namang mamamatay kung hindi gawin,” the Bicolano lawmaker stated.

“Sinusubaybayan natin ang progreso sa mga dagdag na serbisyong pangkalusugan na nakatakdang ipatupad ng DOH at PhilHealth simula Nobyembre. These benefit enhancements are long overdue,” he added.

Lee is referring to the commitments signed by DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa and PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. which he secured during the House Plenary deliberations on September 25. These include:

• At least 80% coverage for cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, and heart bypass and other procedures for heart diseases not later than December 31, 2024;
• Free diagnostic tests such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan, Computed Tomography (CT) scan and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as part of outpatient services not later than December 31, 2024;
• 50% across-the-board PhilHealth benefit increases effective November 2024;
• Free pediatrics and adult prescription glasses effective November 2024.

Lee stressed the need for DOH and PhilHealth to collaborate as there are less than two months remaining to fulfill the 50% across-the-board PhilHealth benefit increase and provide free prescription glasses.

“Milyon-milyong Pilipino ang araw-araw nagtitiis at lumalala ang sakit, o sa kasamaang palad ay namamatay, nang hindi man lang nagagamot o nakakatuntong sa ospital dahil sa dagdag pangambang dulot ng mahal na gamot at pagpapagamot,” he said.

With the recent implementation of an increase in the hemodialysis package from P4,000 to P6,350 per session, the solon said that other health services should also be implemented soon such as the enhancement of Konsulta, PhilHealth’s primary care benefit package.

A staunch health advocate, Lee successfully pushed for a 30% across-the-board increase in PhilHealth benefits last February 14, after more than a decade of these not being adjusted or reviewed by the DOH and PhilHealth.

“Hindi tayo dapat pabigat sa taumbayan. Hindi na dapat pinatatagal ang implementasyon ng mga serbisyong kailangang-kailangan ng mga Pilipino, lalo na’t nandyan na ang pondo. Gawin na natin ito hanggang sa maging libre ang gamot at pagpapagamot,” the solon stated.