Amid expected 18% increase in PH health care costs LEE TO DOH, PHILHEALTH: RAMP UP MORE BENEFIT INCREASES WITH BILLIONS OF FUNDS
Amid expected 18% increase in PH health care costs LEE TO DOH, PHILHEALTH: RAMP UP MORE BENEFIT INCREASES WITH BILLIONS OF FUNDS “Paspasan pa ang pagdaragdag ng benepisyo!” This was the statement of AGRI Party-list Representative and Senatorial aspirant Manoy Wilbert Lee as he reiterated his call to further increase benefits provided by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in response to the projected 18.3% increase in health care costs in the Philippines this year. In the latest Global Medical Trends Survey conducted by WTW, a global advisory, broking and solutions company, the Philippines is expected to post the double digit increase in medical costs, the second highest in Asia Pacific next to Indonesia which is expected to incur 19.4% increase. “Kung magmamahal pa ang pagpapa-ospital ngayong taon, hindi rin gaanong mararamdaman ang mga dagdag na benepisyong ipinatupad ng PhilHealth. Kaya dapat lang na dagdagan pa ito para naman talagang mabawasan ang pangamba at alalahanin ng ating mga kababayan sa pagkakasakit,” the solon from Bicol said. “DOH as the head of PhilHealth Board and the state health insurer itself must ramp up its efforts to utilize the more than P500 billion, or half a trillion available funds to further increase the benefits and genuinely achieve the objectives of Universal Health Care,” Lee said. The Bicolano lawmaker likewise reiterated his call to leave no stone unturned to completely allay the fears of Filipinos from falling ill as they fear sinking further into poverty due to their inability to buy medicines and afford high hospital costs. “Nadagdagan na ang mga benepisyo, pero kaya pang bilisan at dagdagan ang mga ito. Kung kailangan mag-overtime ng DOH at PhilHealth, gawin na ito. Walang dapat sayangin dahil buhay ng mga kababayan natin ang nakasalalay dito at sobrang delayed na rin ng implementasyon nito,” Lee said. It can be recalled that the Bicolano lawmaker was the first to expose in September 2023 that PhilHealth had enormous available funds amounting to more than P500 billion, aside from the more than P100 billion government subsidy every year. While Lee acknowledges the recent implementation of another 50% increase in PhilHealth benefits covering 9,000 case rates, a result of his consistent push to improve the country’s healthcare services, he emphasizes that there’s still a lot to be done, highlighting the other commitments he sealed that DOH and PhilHealth have yet to comply with. The said commitment was signed by no less than DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa and PhilHealth President and CEO Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. during the House Plenary deliberations on the 2025 DOH Budget that ended in a mic scuffle last September 25. Aside from the recent 50% increase, Lee was also instrumental in the 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits which started on February 14, after more than a decade of case rates not being reviewed or adjusted. Lee also prevailed in pushing for free dialysis, increase in coverage for breast cancer treatment from P100,000 to P1.4 million, free eye checkup, free cataract extraction and free prescription glasses, and pushing for expanded benefits on heart ailments, new benefit packages for outpatient emergency care services and kidney transplant. “Marami na tayong napagtagumpayan, pero hindi matatapos ang ating pangangalampag hangga’t hindi pa libre ang gamot at pagpapagamot ng mga Pilipino. Dapat sagot na ito ng gobyerno. Patuloy natin itong ipaglalaban dahil ang layunin ko: Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko!” Lee said. “Marami na rin tayong kasama sa panawagan na ito na ating sinimulan mahigit isang taon na ang nakakaraan. Ituloy lang natin ang paniningil at lakasan pa natin ang ating boses para tuluyang makamit ang isang patas, de-kalidad at mapagmalasakit na serbisyong pangkalusugan sa bansa,” he added. ### Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 09 Jan 2025 Amid expected 18% increase in PH health care costs LEE TO DOH, PHILHEALTH: RAMP UP MORE BENEFIT INCREASES WITH BILLIONS OF FUNDS 04 Jan 2025 Agriculture and Health: Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee’s Twin Pillars of Advocacy in 2024 03 Jan 2025 PhilHealth Reforms: How Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee Redefined Healthcare in 2024 Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Healthcare Advocacy in Action: “Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko”
Healthcare Advocacy in Action: “Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko” In a nation where millions grapple with the challenges of accessing affordable healthcare, Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee stands as a beacon of hope. His relentless advocacy for healthcare reforms has earned him widespread recognition, with his slogan, “Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko,” encapsulating his mission to make medicines and treatments accessible to all Filipinos. As PhilHealth rolls out new benefit enhancements, Lee continues to push for more comprehensive reforms, demonstrating that his fight for a healthier Philippines is far from over. A Vision Rooted in Service Lee’s advocacy stems from a deep understanding of the struggles faced by ordinary Filipinos. For years, many have endured the pain of illness without seeking treatment due to the prohibitive cost of healthcare. Lee’s call for free medicines and treatment is not just a political stance but a moral imperative. “Dagdag lang nang dagdag ng mga benepisyo hanggang maging libre na ang gamot at pagpapagamot ng mga Pilipino,” Lee passionately declared. This vision has driven his efforts to hold the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and the Department of Health (DOH) accountable for their use of public funds. Breaking Barriers in Healthcare Access The recent enhancements to PhilHealth’s benefits—while a welcome development—are just the tip of the iceberg. These include a 50% increase in case rates for select conditions, expanded packages for heart ailments, and new outpatient services. However, Lee has pointed out that these changes are long overdue and still insufficient to address the healthcare needs of Filipinos. During the 2023 House Plenary Deliberations on the DOH budget, Lee secured critical commitments from DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa and PhilHealth President Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. These include free diagnostic tests like CT scans and MRIs, increased coverage for cancer treatments, and comprehensive plans to reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Yet, many of these promises remain unfulfilled, underscoring the challenges of implementing meaningful reforms. From Advocacy to Action Lee’s influence is evident in the changes that have already taken place. Earlier this year, he championed a 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits, breaking a decade-long stagnation in case rate reviews. He also played a pivotal role in expanding coverage for breast cancer treatments, raising the benefit from ₱100,000 to ₱1.4 million—a change that has brought hope to countless Filipinos battling the disease. Additionally, Lee’s push for free eye checkups and prescription glasses is nearing fruition. These initiatives reflect his broader vision of a healthcare system that prioritizes the well-being of every Filipino, regardless of their financial situation. Holding Institutions Accountable At the heart of Lee’s advocacy is a demand for accountability. His exposé of billions of pesos in unused PhilHealth funds in 2023 highlighted the inefficiencies within the healthcare system. For Lee, these funds represent missed opportunities to provide critical services to Filipinos in need. “Make it your New Year’s Resolution to not repeat the same mistake of not using the billions of funds for healthcare benefits,” Lee urged PhilHealth and the DOH. His call for proactive healthcare spending is a stark reminder of the consequences of inaction. A Personal Touch to Advocacy What sets Lee apart is his ability to connect with the people he serves. His advocacy is not confined to the halls of Congress but extends to communities where the lack of healthcare access is felt most acutely. By championing causes that directly impact everyday Filipinos, Lee has become a trusted voice in the fight for better healthcare. His slogan, “Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko,” is more than a campaign promise—it’s a commitment to ensuring that no Filipino is denied the care they need. Through his actions, Lee has demonstrated that meaningful change is possible, even in the face of systemic challenges. The Road Ahead While recent developments signal progress, Lee remains steadfast in his belief that more must be done. His vision for a healthcare system that provides free medicines and treatments is a lofty goal but one that he is determined to achieve. As he continues to hold institutions accountable and push for more comprehensive reforms, Lee’s leadership offers hope to millions of Filipinos. Empowering a Nation Lee’s advocacy serves as a powerful reminder that healthcare is a fundamental right, not a privilege. By championing policies that prioritize the needs of the people, he is helping to build a healthcare system that truly serves the nation. As his campaign for better healthcare continues, Filipinos can look forward to a future where access to medical care is no longer a luxury but a guarantee. #ManoyWilbertWiseLee #GamotMoSagotKo #PhilHealthAdvocacy #HealthcareReforms #UniversalHealthcarePH Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 06 Jan 2025 Healthcare Advocacy in Action: "Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko" 31 Dec 2024 LEE MARKS 2024 WITH BIG WINS, VOWS TO CONTINUE FIGHTING FOR BETTER SERVICES FILIPINOS DESERVE 30 Dec 2024 Manoy Wilbert "Wise" Lee: The Voice Behind PhilHealth's New Benefits Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News