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Lee Calls For Another 30% Increase In PhilHealth Benefits

Amid transfer of P89.9-B PhilHealth excess funds Lee Calls For Another 30% Increase In PhilHealth Benefits Amid the transfer of the P89.9 billion excess funds of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to the national treasury, Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee filed House Resolution No. 1900, urging the state health insurer to implement another round of 30% increase in all its benefit packages and coverage.   Lee’s HR 1900 seeks to determine how PhilHealth can expeditiously increase the current benefits and introduce new benefit packages such as the inclusion of vital diagnostic tests and other essential laboratory exams as outpatient services. “PhilHealth shall serve as the national healthcare provider and not as an investment powerhouse. It is mandated and obliged to utilize most of the funds to increase the program’s benefits and decrease the amount of members’ contributions,” Lee said. “It is best for the interest of the beneficiaries and contributors of the National Health Insurance Program to increase all benefit packages and coverage of PhilHealth to ultimately lower the out-of pocket costs of Filipinos for their healthcare needs,” he added.  To complement the said Resolution, Lee also wrote a letter to PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. last August 8 urging the agency to implement another 30% increase in all its benefit packages saying, “The availability of substantial funds shows that PhilHealth can expand its benefit packages and can even introduce new benefits to cover more of the actual hospitalization costs of beneficiaries.” It can be recalled that Lee, a staunch health advocate, fervently pushed for the 30% across-the-board increase in PhilHealth benefits implemented last February 14. This came after he revealed during the 2024 budget briefing of the PhilHealth last September 2023, that the agency had P466 billion investible funds and P68.4 billion net income, aside from the more than P100 billion government subsidy every year. According to the Bicolano lawmaker, the availability of the P89.9 billion excess funds makes it the best time to increase the benefits offered by PhilHealth by another 30%. “Imbes na sa PhilHealth bumawas ng pondo, kunin na lang sa mga GOCCs (Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations) na hindi related sa social services ang mandato at may iba pang excess funds mula sa kanilang investments at profit,” Lee remarked. “Napakarami pang wala sa benefit package ng PhilHealth tulad ng PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Scan, CT (Computed Tomography) Scan, at MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). Ito po yung mga kailangang tests para malaman kung may malalang sakit, pero napakamahal ng mga ito. Kailangan man, paano ito maipapagawa kung wala o kapos sa budget? Kaya dapat unahin na ma-cover muna lahat ng PhilHealth ang mga serbisyong ito.”  “At kapag may sobra pa sa pondo ng PhilHealth pagkatapos ng mga additional benefits, pwedeng i-suspend o babaan ang contribution ng mga ordinaryong empleyado at gamitin sa pagpapaunlad ng healthcare facilities,” he added The solon from Bicol also renewed his commitment to boost information dissemination efforts to equip farmers, fisherfolk, and all Filipinos nationwide with the knowledge on their PhilHealth benefits and contributions. It can be recalled that last July 1, AGRI Party-list and PhilHealth entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen collaboration in providing more access to health services and benefits provided by the state health insurer for agricultural workers and all Filipinos. “Isa sa mga pangunahing pangamba ng mga Pilipino, bukod sa pagkain, ang kalusugan. Nandyan lagi yung takot na magkasakit dahil walang pambili ng gamot o pambayad sa ospital, baka maubos ang ipon o lalong mabaon sa utang. Kaya ang pondong dapat para sa kalusugan, gamitin sa kalusugan, para maibsan ang pangamba at pasanin ng Pilipino,” he said. “Filipinos deserve better so we should demand better health services. Kasabay ng pagsusulong ng murang pagkain, tiyak na trabaho at dagdag na kita, yung libreng pagpapagamot, yung patas at mapagmalasakit na serbisyong pangkalusugan, gawin na natin!” he added. Healthcare Policy Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts 07 Nov 2024 Lee Blasts DOH For Failure To Submit Comprehensive Plan To Lower Out-Of-Pocket Medical Costs 06 Nov 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee’s Push for Free Optometric Services to Benefit 40M Filipinos 05 Nov 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee Welcomes Inclusion of Free Eyeglasses in PhilHealth Benefits Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News

Deal With The Devil: Lee Seeks House Probe On ‘Human Bopis For Sale’

‘DEAL WITH THE DEVIL’: Lee Seeks House Probe On ‘Human Bopis For Sale “Pakikipagkasundo sa demonyo!” This is how AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee described the reported illicit trade of organs where health workers such as nurses and doctors are allegedly involved. Lee, a staunch health advocate, filed House Resolution No. 1803 urging the Congress to investigate the illegal sale of kidneys and other internal organs in the country and to crack down on the said illicit practices. At the symposium on Special Health Fund (SHF) organized by the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) – Negros Occidental Chapter and Association of Local Government Accountants – Province of Negros Occidental (ALGANO) held in Bacolod City today where he attended as guest speaker, Lee lamented how this “Human Bopis for Sale” scheme or the illegal practice of selling kidneys and other internal organs targets poor Filipinos and goes against existing laws, specifically the “Organ Donation Act of 1991” and “Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012”. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Philippines is recognized internationally as one of the global hotspots for organ trafficking along with countries like India, Pakistan, China, Egypt, and Colombia. In his House Resolution, Lee noted that “many kidney donors, particularly those from vulnerable communities such as slums, are often unaware of the risks and side effects of the operation.” “Sinasamantala ng mga ganitong modus ang mahihirap nating kababayan, lalo na ang mga gipit o ‘kapit sa patalim’ at desperado nang kumita para may pantustos sa pangangailangan ng pamilya,” he said. “Ang nakakabahala dito, may mga sangkot pa umanong doktor at nurse–sila na pinagkakatiwalaan ng ating mga kababayan, pero sila pa palang nagtutulak lalo sa kanila sa kumunoy ng kapahamakan,” he added. On July 17, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested three individuals in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan for being involved in an alleged organ trafficking syndicate. They implicated National Kidney Transplant Institute (NKTI) staff nurse Allan Ligaya as the alleged leader of the illegal organ trade, who remains at large, while three doctors were also summoned by the NBI for participating in the blood matching of donors. Reportedly, there are nine alleged victims who were lured with a payment of P200,000 in exchange for their kidneys and were held in a house and subjected to various processes before their kidneys were eventually transferred. “This may only be the tip of the iceberg. Sa pagsasaliksik ng aming opisina, naglipana na rin ang mga Facebook groups kung saan lantaran ang bentahan ng laman-loob ng tao. Halimbawa nito yung ‘kidney donor Philippines 2.0’. Isang search lang, lalabas na agad ang posts at comments na nag-aalok ng kidney—parang online pasa-buy pero laman-loob ang ibinibenta. May mga natanggap na rin tayong report na pati atay at dugo ng tao, talamak na rin ang bentahan,” Lee stated. “Kailangang agaran at seryosong imbestigahan ito, para panagutin sa lalong madaling panahon ang mga nambibiktima sa marami nating kababayan. Pwedeng sindikato ang mga sangkot dito, at kung pababayaan lang na mamayagpag ang ganitong pakikipag-transaksyon sa demonyo at mga halang ang kaluluwa, ilan pang mga kababayan natin, kabilang na ang mga bata, ang pwedeng malinlang at malagay ang buhay sa peligro?” he asked. The lawmaker further underscored the need for the government to review its policies regarding organ donation to increase its numbers which can discourage people from undertaking risky and illicit transactions. “Filipinos deserve better, and we should demand better. Hindi totoong natutulungan ang mga nangangailangan kung kikita sila kapalit ang kanilang kalusugan, o mismong ang kanilang buhay. Dapat nang tuldukan ang karumal-dumal na gawaing ito, at masampolan ang nasa likod nito,” he added. Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts 07 Nov 2024 Lee Blasts DOH For Failure To Submit Comprehensive Plan To Lower Out-Of-Pocket Medical Costs 06 Nov 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee’s Push for Free Optometric Services to Benefit 40M Filipinos 05 Nov 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee Welcomes Inclusion of Free Eyeglasses in PhilHealth Benefits Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News

Agri PL-PhilHealth Partnership to Boost Info Dissemination and Access to Health Benefits for Farmers, Fisherfolk, and All Filipinos Nationwide – Lee

Agri PL-PhilHealth Partnership To Boost Info Dissemination, Access To Health Benefits For Farmers, Fisherfolk, All Filipinos Nationwide – Lee In an effort to boost information dissemination efforts on the health benefits for farmers, fisherfolk, and all Filipinos nationwide, AGRI Party-list represented by Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee entered into a partnership with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) led by President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Emmanuel Ledesma, Jr.  In a ceremony held in Taguig City on Monday, Lee signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with PhilHealth to strengthen collaboration in providing more access to health services and benefits provided by the state health insurer for agricultural workers and all Filipinos.  “As I always say, ‘Filipinos deserve better, and we should demand better.’ Patunay ang MOU na ito na hindi tayo puro salita, kundi seryoso talaga tayo sa mga ipinaglalaban natin. Today we elevate our efforts to inform our countrymen about the health services and benefits available to them,” Lee said during the program.  “The commitment outlined in our Memorandum of Understanding boosts our information dissemination efforts through various platforms, programs and projects we have. We declare our unwavering dedication to equip our farmers, fisherfolk, agricultural workforce, and every Filipino with the right knowledge about the health benefits they are entitled to,” he added.  For his part, PCEO Ledesma said: “I am pleased that PhilHealth is forging this partnership with AGRI Party-list at this opportune time as this will enable us to further strengthen our information dissemination campaign for all our members, especially those in the agriculture sector whose hardwork sustains our nation’s progress.” “The platform that will be provided by the AGRI Party-list will be one of the primary sources of information for our kababayans which will greatly help us in our efforts to circulate relevant and updated information on PhilHealth’s benefits and services through all possible avenues,” the PhilHealth Chief added.  It can be recalled that Lee, a staunch health advocate, aggressively pushed for the 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits after revealing during the Department of Health (DOH) budget hearing last September 2023 that the state health insurer had P466 billion investible funds and P68.4 billion net income, aside from the more than P100 billion government subsidy every year. The 30% increase in PhilHealth benefit packages took effect on February 14. “Kaya nagpapasalamat tayo sa PhilHealth sa pangunguna ni PCEO Mandy Ledesma sa pakikinig sa ating mga panawagan o pangungulit,” Lee remarked. “Pero alam natin na hindi natatapos sa pagdaragdag ng mga health benefits ang ating trabaho. Dapat mabigyan ng  access dito ang ating mga kababayan. Dahil paano mapapakinabangan ng mga Pilipino ang mga benepisyong pangkalusugan ng ahensya kung hindi nila alam ang mga ito?” he asked. During the signing ceremony, the solon from Bicol underscored the importance of addressing the health concerns of Filipinos.  “Sa pag-iikot natin sa buong bansa, bukod sa pagkain, kalusugan po ang dinadaing sa atin ng ating mga kababayan, na nahihirapan silang makatulog sa gabi dahil sa takot o pangamba na kapag may nagkasakit sa pamilya nila, wala silang pambili ng gamot, wala silang pambayad sa ospital, hindi sila makapagtrabaho. Natatakot sila na baka tuluyang mabaon sa utang at kahirapan, at wala nang pag-asang makaahon sa hirap ng buhay,” he pointed out. “Bawat impormasyon, programa, at mga pagbabago sa serbisyo ng PhilHealth ay sisikapin nating maiparating sa bawat Pilipino at sa lahat ng dako ng Pilipinas. Walang maiiwan, dapat alam ng lahat. Dahil lahat tayo, may karapatan sa maayos at de-kalidad na serbisyong pangkalusugan. Mayaman man o mahirap, may karapatang mabuhay,” he added.  The signing of MOU, for Lee, is only the beginning of a long and meaningful partnership with PhilHealth to improve the country’s healthcare sector.   “Magtulungan po tayo upang maipagkaloob sa mga Pilipino ang de-kalidad, abot-kaya, mapagmalasakit, at may pusong healthcare service para mabura ang pangamba ng mga Pilipino na lalo silang malulubog sa kahirapan kapag nagkasakit dahil walang pambili ng gamot o pambayad sa ospital. Kasabay nito ang pagsisikap natin para isulong ang tiyak na trabaho, dagdag na kita, at ang sapat at murang pagkain,” he said. “Tuloy-tuloy po ang ating bayanihan tungo sa isang malusog, maunlad at makatarungang lipunan kung saan Winner Tayo Lahat!” the solon added. Public Health Initiatives Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts 07 Nov 2024 Lee Blasts DOH For Failure To Submit Comprehensive Plan To Lower Out-Of-Pocket Medical Costs 06 Nov 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee’s Push for Free Optometric Services to Benefit 40M Filipinos 05 Nov 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee Welcomes Inclusion of Free Eyeglasses in PhilHealth Benefits Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News

Lee To DOH: Increase Hospital Allocation For Charity Beds To 30%, Require Hospitals To Post Available PhilHealth Wards

Lee To DOH: Increase Hospital Allocation For Charity Beds To 30%, Require Hospitals To Post Available PhilHealth Wards AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee has pushed for the increase of required charity beds in private hospitals from ten percent (10%) to thirty percent (30%). According to Lee, “Gusto nating mangyari na yung mga naka-allocate sa mga pribadong ospital na 10% bed capacity para sa mga indigent patients na nakapaloob sa “No Balance Billing” (NBB) policy, itaas na sa 30%.” “Para mas maraming bed capacity para sa mga pasyente na talagang nangangailangan. Isa kasi itong kakulangan sa PhilHealth wards sa mga dahilan kung bakit napapalaki ang out-of-pocket expenses ng ating mga kababayan, dahil pagdating sa ospital, ang madalas na sinasabi ay wala nang available na ward na nakalaan para sa NBB,”  Lee pointed out. Under the Department of Health (DOH) Administrative Order 2007-041, as a requirement for licensure, all private hospitals shall allocate no less than 10% of its authorized bed capacity as charity beds. “Ito rin po ang prinsipyong isinusulong natin sa pagsasabatas at epektibong implementasyon ng “No Balance Billing,” para wala nang ilabas na pera ang mga kwalipikadong benepisyaryo kapag sila ay na-admit o na-confine sa ospital,” the solon from Bicol said. No Balance Billing is a government policy implemented through the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) which guarantees that no fees or expenses shall be charged or paid by the qualified members seeking urgent medical care in accredited hospitals. The Bicolano lawmaker likewise urged the DOH to require all its licensed and accredited hospitals to promote transparency in the availability of PhilHealth wards by posting a notice at their entrance indicating the number of occupied and vacant PhilHealth wards to help beneficiaries make informed decisions about their healthcare options. According to his proposed House Resolution No. 1716, “the lack of clear and visible information regarding the availability of PhilHealth wards may lead to confusion and hinder beneficiaries from utilizing their PhilHealth benefits effectively.” “How can they avail of this service if they do not know about it?” Lee asked. “Napakahalaga na alam ng mga pasyente at ng kanilang pamilya yung impormasyon tungkol sa mga bakanteng PhilHealth wards para may choice sila, lalo pa’t nandyan lagi yung pangamba nila sa laki ng bayarin sa pagpapa-ospital, na magagalaw ang kanilang budget sa iba pang pangangailangan, na baka maubos ang ipon at mabaon sa utang,” he stressed. It can be recalled that Lee successfully pushed for the 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits which was recognized by the state health insurer’s President and Chief Executive Officer (PCEO) Emmanuel Ledesma Jr., as the “spark” that led to the benefit hike implemented last February 14. Currently, solon from Bicol persistently advocates for the institutionalization of NBB, full coverage for dialysis, cancer treatment, heart bypass surgery, and other major hospital operations, as well as the inclusion of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Computed Tomography (CT) scan, and all other diagnostic tests in the urgent care packages of PhilHealth, underscoring that availability of these tests shouldn’t be limited to inpatient care. “The Filipino people deserve better health services than enduring long waits in hospitals without the assurance that they will receive proper care. We should demand better and demand more from government. Lahat tayo, dapat makatamasa ng de-kalidad na serbisyong pangkalusugan, hindi yung kung sino lang ang may pambayad ang naaasikaso, nakapagpapagamot at naisasalba ang buhay,” Lee said. “Illness shouldn’t cost livelihood. Mayaman man  o mahirap, dapat arugain ng Estado; lahat, may karapatang mabuhay.” “Winner Tayo Lahat kung bukod sa tiyak na trabaho, dagdag na kita, sapat at murang pagkain, ay natutugunan ang problema at nababawasan ang pangamba sa kalusugan ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino para mabigyan sila ng lakas at kakayahan na maging produktibong bahagi ng lipunan,” the solon added. Healthcare Access and Equity Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts 07 Nov 2024 Lee Blasts DOH For Failure To Submit Comprehensive Plan To Lower Out-Of-Pocket Medical Costs 06 Nov 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee’s Push for Free Optometric Services to Benefit 40M Filipinos 05 Nov 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee Welcomes Inclusion of Free Eyeglasses in PhilHealth Benefits Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News

Pagamutan Hindi Piitan! Lee Seeks Probe To Stop ‘Palit-Ulo’ In Hospitals

“PAGAMUTAN HINDI PIITAN!” Lee Seeks Probe To Stop ‘Palit-Ulo’ In Hospitals AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee has filed a measure which seeks to probe the alleged hospital detention of relatives of the deceased patients as well as the refusal to release death certificates and other relevant medical documents due to unsettled bills of the patient, forcing those involved to find another person to replace them in the hospital before they are allowed to leave its premises—a scheme known as “palit-ulo”.  Lee filed House Resolution No. 1674 after the reported complaints against ACE (Allied Care Experts) Medical Center, which allegedly held in detention the relatives of deceased patients and refused to provide death certificate, unless replaced by another person or until their hospital dues were settled.  “Pinupuntahan ang mga hospital para ipagamot, hindi para ikulong, ang mga pasyente at mga kaanak nila. Demonyo ang gumagawa ng krimeng ito; sila na dumadagdag pa sa pasanin at pagdurusa ng mga pasyente at kanilang pamilya,” he asked.  “Eh kung sila kaya ang ikulong, habang nangangamba sa kalusugan ng kaanak, o habang nagluluksa sa pagkamatay ng kapamilya?”  “Pagamutan, hindi piitan. Pakikipagkapwa-tao, hindi negosyo. Malasakit at hindi pasakit sana ang pairalin ng ating mga ospital,” Lee stated.   In the said Resolution, Lee recounted the experiences of reported “palit-ulo” victims in the said hospital, such as Richel Mae Alvaro who was barred from leaving its premises due to her husband’s unsettled bill. Alvaro was still under illegal detention even after the remains of her husband were already taken out of the hospital.  Lovery Magtangob, on the other hand, was allegedly asked to stay at the Office of Safety Officer while waiting for her brother to settle the bill of their relative. Magtangob said she was released only after paying a partial payment of their unsettled bill.  According to the Bicolano lawmaker, hospitals that practice “palit-ulo” scheme are criminally liable for Serious Illegal Detention and Slight Illegal Detention under the Revised Penal Code.  “Acquiring unsettled hospital bills is not a criminal offense under our laws, and the same is also not an ailment requiring compulsory confinement of the patient in a hospital. Kaya tigilan na itong kawalanghiyaan, karumal-dumal, at ilegal na gawaing ito!” Lee said.  Through HR 1674, Lee underscored the importance of identifying any loopholes in the existing policies regarding the rights of patients, their relatives, and visitors, and the rights of hospitals and medical clinics over unsettled bills of patients, as well as exacting accountability to those who are involved in the illegal detention. The solon also pointed out that the “palit-ulo” scheme is proof that there is an alarming gap and perennial problems in our healthcare system that needs to be addressed with appropriate measures.  “Hindi na nga po nakapagtataka kung bakit pangunahin sa mga pangamba ng ating mga kababayan ang pagkakasakit, kung saan marami ang namamatay nang hindi man lang nakapagpapatingin sa doktor o ospital; o pinipili na lang maratay sa bahay sa kabila ng mabigat na karamdaman,” Lee said.  “Lahat tayo, may karapatang mabuhay. Mayaman man o mahirap, dapat pinagkakalooban ng estado ng de-kalidad, abot-kaya, at may pusong serbisyong pangkalusugan. Nasaan ang hustisya kung sa kagustuhan mong magpagamot at mabuhay, ikukulong ka pa o ang iyong mga kapamilya?” he lamented.  Lee, a staunch health advocate, persistently pushed for the 30% increase in Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) benefits which took effect on February 14. The solon also advocated for unlimited coverage for dialysis, cancer treatment, heart bypass surgery, and other diagnostic tests and preventive measures, as well as the effective implementation of the No Balance Billing policy so that patients and their families won’t be burdened by high medical expenses. “Winner Tayo Lahat kung nandyan ang Estado para bawasan ang alalahanin ng mamamayan ukol sa kanilang trabaho, kita, pagkain, lalong-lalo na sa kanilang kalusugan,” he said. “Panalo ang sambayanan kung lahat ng ospital, hindi lang nagpapagaling o nagbibigay ng lunas sa karamdaman, kundi tunay ring kumakalinga at umuunawa sa kalagayan ng mga pasyente at ng kanilang mga mahal sa buhay,” Lee stressed. Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts 07 Nov 2024 Lee Blasts DOH For Failure To Submit Comprehensive Plan To Lower Out-Of-Pocket Medical Costs 06 Nov 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee’s Push for Free Optometric Services to Benefit 40M Filipinos 05 Nov 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee Welcomes Inclusion of Free Eyeglasses in PhilHealth Benefits Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News

With Over 40M Filipinos In Need Of Eye And Vision Care, Lee Urges PhilHealth To Cover Optometric Services

With Over 40M Filipinos In Need Of Eye And Vision Care, Lee Urges PhilHealth To Cover Optometric Services AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee urged the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to include optometric services in the benefit coverage for its members and beneficiaries, stressing the importance of optometric interventions in preventing vision loss and improving the quality of life of millions of Filipinos.  Speaking at the 7th Annual Conference of the Philippine Society of Public Health and Occupational Optometry (PSPHOO) held on March 16, Lee said: “While vision problems can be easily corrected with glasses or contacts, many Filipinos lack access to affordable eye care, affecting their productivity.” “Maraming bata ang pagkapanganak pa lang, may problema na sa mata, at milyon-milyon nating mga kababayan ang talagang apektado ang pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay dahil sa pagkabulag o malabong paningin,” the solon said. “If we’re talking about productivity, if we’re talking about food security, we should also be addressing the eye problems of our countrymen, and consider this as a primary healthcare issue,” he added. According to the Integrated Philippine Association of Optometrists (IPAO), around 41.4 million of Filipinos need continuing eye and vision care, which include the number of the population with presbyopia and refractive errors. The Bicolano lawmaker stressed that unaddressed vision impairment has severe consequences which range from delayed development in chidren to social isolation, depression, and economic hardship in adults. Given the alarming number of Filipinos experiencing vision problems and blindness, Lee filed House Resolution No. 1623 urging the state health insurer to include optometric services under the benefit packages of PhilHealth. “Inclusion of these services under PhilHealth would make essential eye care affordable and accessible for Filipinos, allowing early detection and treatment of eye conditions,” the solon pointed out in the House Resolution. “It is crucial for the government to make efforts to increase the accessibility of optometrists’ services across the nation by utilizing mobile clinics, telemedicine, and community outreach initiatives, especially in isolated places through the support of PhilHealth,” he added. Lee revealed that he wrote and already had initial discussions with PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer (PCEO) Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. regarding the matter, noting that “while PhilHealth covers various opthalmology services like eye surgery, consultations, and screening for certain eye problems, it excludes optometry services, which can detect vision impairment, encompassing conditions like refractive errors and affecting people’s lives.” “Clearly, timely eye care, with the help of PhilHealth, can mitigate the detrimental impact of vision impairment. Hindi natin ito tatantanan hangga’t hindi pa inaprubahan ng PhilHealth,” the lawmaker said. “Winner Tayo Lahat kung accessible, abot-kaya at maagap ang pagtugon sa problema sa mata ng milyon-milyong Pilipino. Hindi lang nito mababawasan ang pangamba ng ating mga kababayan sa pagkakasakit sa mata at kawalan ng pantustos para maipagamot ito. Hindi lang ito magdudulot ng malinaw na paningin, kundi pati na rin ng maliwanag na kinabukasan para sa ating mga kababayan,” he added. Public Health Initiatives Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts 07 Nov 2024 Lee Blasts DOH For Failure To Submit Comprehensive Plan To Lower Out-Of-Pocket Medical Costs 06 Nov 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee’s Push for Free Optometric Services to Benefit 40M Filipinos 05 Nov 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee Welcomes Inclusion of Free Eyeglasses in PhilHealth Benefits Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News

‘FINALLY!’ 30% INCREASE ON PHILHEALTH BENEFITS LEE PUSHED FOR TO BE IMPLEMENTED

‘Finally!’ 30% Increase On PhilHealth Benefits Lee Pushed For To Be Implemented “Sa wakas, yung ipinaglalaban natin na 30% increase sa PhilHealth benefits, aprubado na.” This was the statement of AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee as he welcomed the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Board of Director’s (BOD) approval on Wednesday of the 30% increase on the benefits it offers to allay fears of Filipinos of getting sick because they cannot afford medical treatment or hospital expenses. “We thank the PhilHealth’s Board of Directors and its Executive Committee, led by BOD Chairman Sec. Teodoro Herbosa and PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr., for heeding our relentless call to implement the 30% increase on its health packages and coverage,” said the legislator. “Malaking tulong ang dagdag na suportang ito ng PhilHealth sa pagpapagamot o pagpapa-ospital ng milyon-milyong Pilipino.” In his letter addressed to Ledesma and his filed House Resolution No. 1407, Lee urged the PhilHealth management to implement a 30% increase in all its benefit packages and coverage. According to the Bicolano lawmaker, it is high time that the PhilHealth update its coverage since its case rate has not been updated for over a decade and is no longer responsive to the hospitalization cost of the beneficiaries. “Dahil sa inflation, nagtaasan na lahat ng presyo—pagkain, tubig, petrolyo, gamot, pati mga bayad sa serbisyo, kasama ang pagpapa-ospital. Kaya dapat lang na mag-adjust na ang PhilHealth sa sinasagot nitong mga bayarin para mas makatulong sa mga miyembro,” Lee said.  Lee stressed that “kapag nagkasakit, marami ang hindi nakakapagtrabaho, walang kita, nagagalaw ang budget para sa ibang pangangailangan, nauubos ang ipon at nalulubog sa utang. Kaya bukod sa sakit, lalo pang sumasama ang pakiramdam ng marami sa atin dahil sa mga dagdag na gastusin.” It can be recalled that upon Lee’s questioning during the deliberation of the proposed 2024 budget of the Department of Health on September 2023, it was revealed that PhilHealth had P466 billion worth of investible funds and P68.4 billion net income. According to Lee, “Amid these challenging times, we need a more accessible, compassionate and affordable health care for all Filipinos. Malaki ang papel dito ng PhilHealth. They should ensure that the funds it yielded from its investments and income must be returned to its contributors and beneficiaries in a form of its expanded benefit packages and coverage.” The lawmaker also urged PhilHealth to remove the limit and fully cover dialysis sessions, cancer treatment, heart bypass surgery, and other diagnostic tests and preventive measures, as well as the effective implementation of the No Balance Billing policy to lessen the out-of-pocket medical expenses of patients and their families.  “Winner Tayo Lahat sa 30% increase na ito sa PhilHealth coverage. Patuloy nating tututukan ang maayos na implementasyon nito, hanggang maabot ang pangarap natin na anuman ang estado sa lipunan, mayaman man o mahirap, walang takot o pangamba tayong makapagpapagamot dahil wala na o konti na lang ang babayaran dahil sa tulong ng PhilHealth.” Healthcare Policy Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts 07 Nov 2024 Lee Blasts DOH For Failure To Submit Comprehensive Plan To Lower Out-Of-Pocket Medical Costs 06 Nov 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee’s Push for Free Optometric Services to Benefit 40M Filipinos 05 Nov 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee Welcomes Inclusion of Free Eyeglasses in PhilHealth Benefits Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News