Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” Lee Pushes DOH and PhilHealth to Fulfill Commitments for Coconut Farmers Using Available Funds
Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” Lee Pushes DOH and PhilHealth to Fulfill Commitments for Coconut Farmers Using Available Funds Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee reminded PhilHealth and PCA to fulfill their mandated responsibilities to coconut farmers, calling for prompt implementation of health benefits promised under the CFITF Act. Signed into law in 2021, the CFITF Act requires that coconut farmers receive healthcare benefits to reduce the financial strain of medical expenses. Lee pointed out that despite the legislation, thousands of coconut farmers remain without these essential benefits, which affect their ability to maintain good health and support their families. In prior discussions with PhilHealth and PCA leaders, Lee emphasized that effective communication about these benefits is necessary so farmers are informed about their access to PhilHealth services. As a principal author of significant agricultural legislation, Lee has actively pursued solutions for both health and livelihood support for farmers, urging the immediate disbursement of funds for their welfare. He highlighted that without these resources, farmers continue to face significant financial stress, particularly in rural areas where healthcare access is limited. Lee also champions for expanding PhilHealth benefit packages for all Filipinos. He successfully pushed for a 30% increase in February, which included enhanced benefits for conditions like breast cancer and dialysis treatments. He is now calling on PhilHealth to further expand coverage to diagnostic tests such as MRI, CT Scan, and PET Scan. “Ang pondo para sa mga magniniyog ay para sa kanila. Huwag nating ipagkait ang karampatang serbisyo at tulong na matagal na nilang hinihintay,” Lee said, reiterating his commitment to protecting farmers’ welfare. #HealthcareForFarmers #SupportLocalIndustries #WilbertLeeAdvocacy #AGRIList Healthcare Policy Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts 08 Nov 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee Secures Free Prescription Glasses in PhilHealth Package, Ensuring Eye Care for All 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 Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Amid P30B fund transfer Lee Keeps An Eye On DOH, PhilHealth To Deliver Commitments
Amid P30B fund transfer Lee Keeps An Eye On DOH, PhilHealth To Deliver Commitments 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. Healthcare Access and Equity Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts 08 Nov 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee Secures Free Prescription Glasses in PhilHealth Package, Ensuring Eye Care for All 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 Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News