WilbertHealthAdvocacy

How Wilbert Lee’s Push for PhilHealth Reform Strengthens Universal Healthcare

Infographic on PhilHealth Reform Benefits – Visual breakdown of expanded healthcare services under Lee’s proposed reforms.

How Wilbert Lee’s Push for PhilHealth Reform Strengthens Universal Healthcare Healthcare is a fundamental right, yet many Filipinos still struggle to access basic medical services. The PhilHealth system, while designed to support universal healthcare, has been plagued with issues such as slow benefit distribution, high premium contributions, and limited coverage. Recognizing these challenges, Wilbert Lee has taken action to implement key PhilHealth reforms.   Addressing the Flaws in PhilHealth’s System Despite its mission to provide affordable healthcare for all, PhilHealth has fallen short in several areas: Lack of benefit expansion over the years Excessive focus on revenue collection rather than service delivery Unutilized funds that could have supported more healthcare programs   Key Amendments Proposed Under the PhilHealth Reform Bill   1. A Shift in Administrative Budget Allocation Lee’s bill mandates that PhilHealth’s operational expenses be sourced from 7.5 percent of total benefit payouts, rather than premium collections. This guarantees that administrative costs grow in proportion to healthcare spending.   2. Faster and More Efficient Reimbursements By allowing PhilHealth to allocate funds more effectively, claim processing times for hospitals and patients will be significantly reduced, ensuring timely healthcare services.   3. Expansion of Free and Subsidized Health Services Lee’s healthcare reform plan includes provisions for expanded benefits such as: Free dialysis sessions for all patients Free dental check-ups and eyeglasses for children Expanded breast cancer and cardiovascular treatment packages Subsidized outpatient emergency care   The Long-Term Vision for Healthcare Accessibility Lee’s reforms are not just short-term solutions but are part of a larger effort to achieve universal healthcare for all Filipinos. His goal is to ensure that every Filipino, regardless of financial status, receives quality medical treatment without fear of financial ruin.   #PhilHealthReform #BetterHealthcare #WilbertLee #HealthEquality Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 06 Feb 2025 How Wilbert Lee’s Push for PhilHealth Reform Strengthens Universal Healthcare 03 Feb 2025 PhilHealth Reform: Wilbert Lee Advocates for Increased Healthcare Benefits 31 Jan 2025 UHC AMENDMENTS LEE FOUGHT FOR TO REFORM PHILHEALTH: HINDI NA PWEDENG PURO COLLECT! Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News

PhilHealth Reform: Wilbert Lee Advocates for Increased Healthcare Benefits

Wilbert Lee Advocating for PhilHealth Reform – AGRI Party-list Representative Wilbert Lee speaking at a public event about PhilHealth reforms.

PhilHealth Reform: Wilbert Lee Advocates for Increased Healthcare Benefits The state of healthcare in the Philippines has been a growing concern, especially when it comes to the accessibility and efficiency of PhilHealth services. Many Filipinos continue to struggle with high medical costs, slow reimbursements, and limited coverage. Recognizing these gaps, AGRI Party-list Representative and senatorial aspirant Wilbert Lee has been a strong advocate for PhilHealth reform to ensure that benefits take priority over collections. Lee, the principal author of House Bill No. 11357, has spearheaded amendments to the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act that aim to refocus PhilHealth’s priorities—shifting its focus from collecting premiums to expanding healthcare services and improving benefit distribution.   The Need for PhilHealth Reform The current PhilHealth system places significant emphasis on premium collection, which often results in administrative inefficiencies and delays in disbursing benefits. This has left many Filipinos struggling to access necessary medical treatments despite being PhilHealth members.   Key Problems with the Current System: Delayed reimbursements for hospitals and patients Insufficient benefit packages that do not cover critical treatments High premium contributions that do not match the services provided Unspent funds that could have been allocated for expanded healthcare services   Proposed Amendments Under the PhilHealth Reform Bill   1. Administrative Budget Allocation Based on Benefit Payouts Instead of calculating administrative costs based on premium collections, PhilHealth will allocate 7.5 percent of total reimbursements from the previous year. This ensures that administrative budgets grow in proportion to benefit distribution rather than simply being tied to premium revenues.   2. Faster Processing of Healthcare Benefits With an improved budget allocation for administrative functions, PhilHealth will be able to hire more personnel, speed up claim reimbursements, and improve efficiency in healthcare service delivery.   3. Expanded PhilHealth Coverage Through Lee’s amendments, PhilHealth will be required to increase coverage in key areas such as: Free dialysis treatments Expanded breast cancer treatment New benefit packages for kidney transplants and heart ailments Comprehensive outpatient emergency care services   4. Reduction of Premium Contributions Another crucial amendment is the lowering of premium contributions to lessen the financial burden on members. The bill aims to make PhilHealth more affordable and accessible to all Filipinos, particularly those in low-income sectors.   Impact of Lee’s PhilHealth Reforms Since exposing PhilHealth’s unused funds—which exceeded ₱500 billion in 2023—Lee’s advocacy has led to major improvements: 30 percent increase in PhilHealth benefits in 2024 50 percent additional increase in 2025 Timely case rate assessments to ensure fair pricing for medical treatments Increased healthcare accessibility for marginalized communities   The Road to Universal Healthcare Lee remains committed to his vision of universal healthcare for all Filipinos. His advocacy centers on ensuring that no one is denied medical care due to financial constraints. With PhilHealth reform, his goal is to make medicine and medical treatments government-funded, ensuring every Filipino gets the care they need.   #PhilHealthReform #UniversalHealthcare #WilbertLee #HealthForAll Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 06 Feb 2025 PhilHealth Reform: Wilbert Lee Advocates for Increased Healthcare Benefits 31 Jan 2025 UHC AMENDMENTS LEE FOUGHT FOR TO REFORM PHILHEALTH: HINDI NA PWEDENG PURO COLLECT! 28 Jan 2025 Wilbert Lee Pushes for Reforms to Maximize PhilHealth Benefits Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News

LEE DEMANDS DOH TO PROVIDE MORE EQUIPMENT IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS, SEEKS AMNESTY ON HOSPITALS, DOCTORS WITH UNRESOLVED CASES

LEE DEMANDS DOH TO PROVIDE MORE EQUIPMENT IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS, SEEKS AMNESTY ON HOSPITALS, DOCTORS WITH UNRESOLVED CASES Healthcare Policy   “Walang kwenta ang mga dagdag benepisyo kung walang mga gamit at ospital.” This was the statement of Manoy Wilbert Lee as he reiterated his call for the Department of Health (DOH) to fast-track provision of medical equipment, including Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan, Computed Tomography (CT) scan and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and other diagnostic tests and facilities in public hospitals. During the House Committee on Health hearing on the increase in Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) benefit packages on Wednesday, Lee underscored that the improved services should be complemented by equipping hospitals and other medical facilities with medical equipment needed by Filipino patients.   “Masasayang lang ang mga dagdag na coverage kung wala namang mga gamit at makina. Napakarami nating kababayan na kapag sinabihan na kailangang magpa-CT scan, hindi na bumabalik dahil mahal ang gagastusin. Ngayong may sasagutin na ang PhilHealth, hindi pa rin ito agad mapakinabangan dahil ilan lang ang ospital na may ganitong pasilidad. Ang PET scan equipment, NKTI (National Kidney Transplant Institute) at UP Philippine General Hospital lang ang meron, gaano pa katagal ang hihintayin nila?” Lee said. It can be recalled that the Bicolano lawmaker sealed commitments from the DOH and PhilHealth last September 25, 2024 which include submitting an implementation plan with definite timeline of acquiring medical equipment for public hospitals under the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP). Moreover, Lee in his bid to complement the new PhilHealth benefits, raised his plan to file a bill granting amnesty for cases involving hospitals and doctors and payment of denied claims due to late filing and penalty reductions for employers.   “Maraming kaso na maliliit at mga kasong dahil sa double entry or double payments. Nabanggit ko na po ito nung 2023 pa, mga kaso na P2,000 ang halaga, pero ang penalty ay aabot ng P300,000, tapos suspendido pa ang ospital, na dahilan kung bakit hindi makatanggap ng PhilHealth patients,” Lee stated. “Kailangan po natin na mas maraming ospital na nakakapagbigay ng serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan. Kung masususpinde sila at haharap sa mga kaso na kung tutuusin ay maliit lang naman, sa huli, apektado ang kanilang serbisyo,” he added. During the said hearing, the solon from Bicol secured a commitment from PhilHealth to support the said measure.   “From the side of PhilHealth, 100 percent support po. It will solve a lot of problems. We are with you 100 percent,” PhilHealth President and CEO Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. said. While Lee acknowledges the success of PhilHealth for the new benefits, a result of his persistent push since he exposed the billions of available funds of the state health insurer in September 2023, he stressed that the lack of hospitals and facilities would hamper the delivery of quality and accessible healthcare benefits to Filipinos. “Ang ipinaglalaban natin, libreng gamot at pagpapagamot. Magtulungan tayo, ang gobyerno at pribadong sektor, para makamit ito at talagang mapagaan ang pasanin ng taumbayan. Hindi pwedeng kanya-kanya at maging pabigat pa tayo sa isa’t isa!” Lee said.   A staunch health advocate, Lee paved the way for the implementation of improved PhilHealth benefits such as the not less than 95% increase in coverage of 9,000 case rates, inclusion of optometry and free prescription glasses, free dialysis, expanded coverage for breast cancer treatment, new benefit package for kidney transplant and heart ailments, and outpatient emergency care services, among others. The Bicolano lawmaker then reiterated the importance of an effective information dissemination campaign on the health benefits for all Filipinos nationwide.   “Bukod sa dagdag na mga benepisyo, dagdag na mga kagamitan at ospital, dapat pagsikapan pa natin ang pagbibigay-alam sa mga Pilipino ng mga serbisyong libre at sagot na ng gobyerno. Paano nila mapapakinabangan ang mga ito kung hindi nila alam?” asked Lee. “Dapat mawala na ang pangamba ng ating mga kababayan na magkasakit dahil sa takot na malubog sa utang at kahirapan ang kanilang pamilya. Ang layunin ko: Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko!” he said.  Previous Post Latest Posts 15 Jan 2025 LEE DEMANDS DOH TO PROVIDE MORE EQUIPMENT IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS, SEEKS AMNESTY ON HOSPITALS, DOCTORS WITH UNRESOLVED CASES 09 Jan 2025 Manoy Wilbert 'Wise' Lee: Doubling Down on PhilHealth Benefits Amid Rising Health Care Costs 08 Jan 2025 Amid expected 18% increase in PH health care costs LEE TO DOH, PHILHEALTH: RAMP UP MORE BENEFIT INCREASES WITH BILLIONS OF FUNDS Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News

Manoy Wilbert ‘Wise’ Lee: Strengthening Healthcare Amid Rising Medical Costs

Manoy Wilbert ‘Wise’ Lee: Strengthening Healthcare Amid Rising Medical Costs   The projected 18.3% increase in healthcare costs in the Philippines this year has prompted AGRI Party-list Representative and Senatorial aspirant Manoy Wilbert Lee to renew his call for sweeping reforms in the country’s healthcare system. With PhilHealth holding over ₱500 billion in funds and a ₱100 billion annual government subsidy, Lee is urging immediate action to expand benefits and alleviate the burden on Filipinos.   A Troubling Forecast A recent Global Medical Trends Survey by WTW revealed that the Philippines is second only to Indonesia in Asia Pacific when it comes to rising medical costs. This double-digit increase threatens to exacerbate the challenges faced by Filipinos, many of whom already struggle to afford hospital bills and essential medicines. “Kung magmamahal pa ang pagpapa-ospital ngayong taon, hindi rin gaanong mararamdaman ang mga dagdag na benepisyong ipinatupad ng PhilHealth,” Lee remarked, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the issue to ensure Filipinos are not left behind.   Utilizing PhilHealth’s Resources With PhilHealth holding significant financial reserves, Lee argues that there is no excuse for delays in expanding benefits. “DOH as the head of PhilHealth Board and the state health insurer itself must ramp up its efforts to utilize the more than ₱500 billion available funds to further increase the benefits,” he stated. Lee has already made significant strides in healthcare reform. In February 2024, his efforts led to a 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits—the first major adjustment in over a decade. This was followed by a 50% increase covering 9,000 case rates, a milestone that reflects Lee’s relentless push for accessible healthcare.   Unfulfilled Promises and Delays Despite these achievements, Lee highlights the need for PhilHealth and DOH to fulfill their remaining commitments. During the 2025 DOH Budget deliberations, he secured agreements to implement additional benefits, including free dialysis, expanded coverage for heart ailments, and free diagnostic tests such as CT scans and MRIs. However, these promises remain unrealized, prompting Lee to demand accountability. “Kung kailangan mag-overtime ng DOH at PhilHealth, gawin na ito. Walang dapat sayangin dahil buhay ng mga kababayan natin ang nakasalalay dito,” he stressed.   Milestones in Healthcare Advocacy Lee’s advocacy has already brought significant improvements to the healthcare system, including: Free dialysis treatments for patients in need. An increase in breast cancer treatment coverage from ₱100,000 to ₱1.4 million. Free eye checkups, cataract extractions, and prescription glasses. Expanded benefit packages for outpatient emergency care and kidney transplants. These reforms reflect Lee’s commitment to easing the financial burden on Filipino families and ensuring that healthcare is accessible to all.   A Vision of Universal Healthcare At the core of Lee’s campaign is his vision for Universal Health Care, where every Filipino has access to free medicines and treatments. His slogan, “Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko,” underscores his belief that the government has a responsibility to provide comprehensive healthcare services. “Patuloy natin itong ipaglalaban dahil ang layunin ko: Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko!” Lee declared. His vision resonates with millions of Filipinos who dream of a healthcare system that prioritizes compassion, equity, and quality.   The Path Forward As healthcare costs continue to rise, Lee remains steadfast in his mission to push for reforms that address these challenges. He calls on Filipinos to join his advocacy, stating, “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.” Lee’s leadership offers hope amid mounting healthcare challenges. His tireless efforts to hold institutions accountable and advocate for expanded benefits ensure that Filipinos will not face these rising costs alone.   A Legacy of Service Manoy Wilbert Lee’s work in healthcare reform is more than just policy—it is a testament to his commitment to improving the lives of every Filipino. As the nation grapples with rising medical expenses, Lee’s advocacy provides a blueprint for a future where healthcare is a right, not a privilege.   #ManoyWilbertWiseLee #GamotMoSagotKo #PhilHealthReforms #HealthcareAccessibility #UniversalHealthcarePH Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 15 Jan 2025 Manoy Wilbert 'Wise' Lee: Strengthening Healthcare Amid Rising Medical Costs 15 Jan 2025 LEE DEMANDS DOH TO PROVIDE MORE EQUIPMENT IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS, SEEKS AMNESTY ON HOSPITALS, DOCTORS WITH UNRESOLVED CASES 10 Jan 2025 Amid Rising Costs, Manoy Wilbert Lee Demands Swift PhilHealth Reforms Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News

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

PhilHealth Benefit Expansion: Lee Advocates Improvements in UHC Law

PhilHealth Benefit Expansion: Lee Advocates Improvements in UHC Law Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee, a staunch health advocate, is doubling down on his efforts to expand PhilHealth benefits through strategic amendments to the Universal Healthcare (UHC) Act. Lee’s House Bill No. 10995 proposes bold reforms to ensure Filipinos get better healthcare coverage without bearing the brunt of rising contributions. Lee cited the challenges facing UHC implementation, including inadequate reviews of benefit packages and fund management inefficiencies. “Napakaraming pera ng PhilHealth, dapat ilaan ito di lang sa pagpapalawak ng mga benepisyo kundi pati na rin sa pagpapababa ng kontribusyon,” Lee asserted, highlighting his push for reduced premiums and better coverage. The Bicolano lawmaker has also championed life-saving measures like the free provision of diagnostic scans, prescription glasses, and expanded cancer and heart procedure coverage. Earlier this year, Lee celebrated the 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits, including a dramatic rise in breast cancer treatment coverage from P100,000 to P1.4 million and expanded hemodialysis sessions from 90 to 156 annually with a coverage of P6,350 per session from P2,000. “Our people deserve more than incremental improvements. They deserve bold actions that will lift the burden of medical costs off their shoulders,” Lee said, renewing his commitment to improving healthcare accessibility for all Filipinos. #PhilHealthReforms #GamotMoSagotKo #WiseMoves Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 13 Nov 2024 PhilHealth Benefit Expansion: Lee Advocates Improvements in UHC Law 12 Nov 2024 Lee Files Measure To Simplify Processes In Availing Gov't Services, Hasten Emergency Response 11 Nov 2024 Lee Pushes for UHC Act Amendments to Ease Filipinos’ Healthcare Burdens Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News