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

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
Lee Calls for More Equipment, Improved Hospitals to Fully Realize PhilHealth Benefits

Lee Calls for More Equipment, Improved Hospitals to Fully Realize PhilHealth Benefits Congressman Wilbert Lee Advocates for Improved Hospitals to Maximize PhilHealth Benefits Bicolano Congressman Wilbert Lee has emphasized the need for public hospital improvements to ensure that Filipinos can fully benefit from the expanded PhilHealth benefits. During the House Committee on Health hearing, Lee pointed out that the lack of essential medical equipment in public hospitals further hinders access to the services that PhilHealth benefits are meant to provide. “Ang mga benepisyo ng PhilHealth ay nasasayang kung walang sapat na kagamitan at pasilidad,” Lee said. He called on the Department of Health (DOH) to fast-track the procurement of diagnostic tools such as CT scans, PET scans, and MRI machines under the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP). Gaps in Medical Equipment Hinder Access to PhilHealth Benefits Lee stressed that while PhilHealth benefits cover some diagnostic tests and treatments, many public hospitals across the country lack the necessary equipment to deliver these services. “Napakarami nating kababayan ang hindi nakikinabang sa PhilHealth dahil kailangan pa nilang bumiyahe nang malayo para sa CT scan o MRI,” he explained. Currently, only a few hospitals, such as the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) and the National Kidney Transplant Institute (NKTI), have PET scan machines. This limitation delays critical diagnoses and treatments, especially for Filipinos in rural areas who rely on PhilHealth benefits to reduce medical costs. Amnesty for Hospitals to Improve Healthcare Access To complement the expanded PhilHealth benefits, Lee also proposed a measure providing amnesty for hospitals and doctors with unresolved cases involving denied PhilHealth claims. According to Lee, these unresolved cases often lead to penalties and hospital suspensions, disrupting healthcare services for patients. “Kailangan nating i-address ang mga problema sa claims para mas maraming ospital ang makapagbigay ng serbisyo,” Lee said. PhilHealth President Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. expressed full support for the proposal, stating that resolving these cases would improve the overall healthcare system. Lee reiterated his commitment to fighting for improved PhilHealth benefits, better public hospitals, and affordable healthcare for all Filipinos. “Ang layunin natin ay libreng gamot at pagpapagamot para sa lahat. Kailangang magtulungan ang gobyerno at pribadong sektor para makamit ito.” #PhilHealthBenefits #HospitalUpgrades #HealthcareForAll #MedicalEquipment #BetterPublicHospitals Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 20 Jan 2025 Lee Calls for More Equipment, Improved Hospitals to Fully Realize PhilHealth Benefits 15 Jan 2025 LEE DEMANDS DOH TO PROVIDE MORE EQUIPMENT IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS, SEEKS AMNESTY ON HOSPITALS, DOCTORS WITH UNRESOLVED CASES 11 Jan 2025 Manoy Wilbert 'Wise' Lee: Strengthening Healthcare Amid Rising Medical Costs 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
“Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko!”: Lee Pushes Free Vaccines for Senior Citizens

“Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko!”: Lee Pushes Free Vaccines for Senior Citizens Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has once again prioritized the welfare of senior citizens by proposing free vaccinations through House Bill No. 11055. The bill seeks to address the growing health risks faced by older Filipinos by ensuring they have access to immunizations without financial constraints. “Many of our senior citizens avoid seeking medical help due to high costs, leaving them vulnerable to preventable illnesses. This should not be the case,” Lee said. The proposed measure aims to include all seniors, regardless of income, in immunization programs and expand the list of free vaccines beyond influenza and pneumococcal diseases. For Lee, this initiative is not just about healthcare—it’s about dignity. “Our elderly deserve to live their remaining years in good health without worrying about where to get money for vaccines or hospital bills,” he emphasized. Lee also linked the measure to the broader goals of the Universal Health Care Act, reiterating his vision of a Philippines where medicines and medical services are accessible to all. “This is the promise of universal healthcare: Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko!” #SeniorHealthCare #UniversalHealthCare #WiseMoves Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 22 Nov 2024 “Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko!”: Lee Pushes Free Vaccines for Senior Citizens 21 Nov 2024 Lee Pushes for Free Vaccines for All Senior Citizens 21 Nov 2024 Lee Bats For Creation Of Ph Medicine Bank For Vulnerable Sectors Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee Wants Free Vaccines For All Senior Citizens

Lee Wants Free Vaccines For All Senior Citizens Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee filed a measure to provide free vaccines against infectious diseases for senior citizens and protect their health and well-being. Lee’s House Bill (HB) No. 11055 or the “Safeguarding Seniors: Free Immunization Act of 2024” seeks to amend Republic Act No. 9994 or the “Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010,” by including all senior citizens, instead of being limited to indigents, to have free vaccination. The Bicolano lawmaker also proposed that aside from free vaccines for influenza virus and pneumococcal disease, free immunization should cover pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus and diphtheria, and other diseases as the Department of Health (DOH) deems necessary. “Tayong mga Pilipino ay malaki ang pagpapahalaga sa ating mga lolo at lola, sa ating mga magulang na nag-alaga at nagpalaki sa atin, at nagtaguyod sa ating pamilya. Sa kanilang pagtanda, sila naman ang gusto nating arugain at talagang dapat pagkalooban ng karampatang kalinga,” he said. “Many diseases can have severe or even fatal effects for older adults, whose immune systems often become weaker as they age. Kaya napakahalaga ng bakuna para maiwasan ang mga sakit, lalo na kung gagawin itong libre at mas accessible para sa lahat ng ating senior citizens,” he added. For Lee, protecting senior citizens from diseases will not only sustain their health but will ease their concern from falling ill as they fear sinking further into poverty due to their inability to buy medicine or pay for hospital expenses. “Laging may pangamba ang ating mga kababayan, lalo na ang ating senior citizens, na magkasakit, dahil ayaw na nilang maging pabigat pa sa pamilya, lalo sa mahal na gastos sa gamot at pagpapa-ospital. Kaya marami ang hinahayaan na lang ang karamdaman, hindi nagpapa-checkup at parang naghihintay na lang ng oras nila,” Lee remarked. “Hindi ito deserve ng bawat Pilipino lalo na ng ating mga senior citizens. Dapat siguruhin ng Estado na napapangalagaan ang kanilang kalusugan at hindi na dapat nila problemahin kung saan sila kukuha ng pangbakuna,” he added. The solon from Bicol likewise underscored that the proposed free vaccination for all senior citizens is anchored on the promise of RA 11223 or the “Universal Health Care Act,” saying, “Ito ang layunin ng Universal Health Care Law, na maging libre na ang gamot at pagpapagamot para sa lahat ng Pilipino.” “Ang pangarap ko sa bawat Pilipino: Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko!” he said. Currently, Lee continues to monitor the implementation of the commitments he sealed from the DOH and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) during the last House Plenary Debates on the DOH 2025 Budget on September 25. Among the commitments he secured is for DOH to submit a comprehensive report on medicine and vaccines ensuring their availability in DOH retained and specialty hospitals starting fourth quarter of this year. Other commitments include free Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan, Computed Tomography (CT) scan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and other diagnostic tests as part of outpatient services; at least 80% coverage for cancer treatments and procedures for heart diseases not later than December 31, 2024; free optometric services and free eyeglasses and another 50% increase in PhilHealth benefits this November. “Nakatutok tayo sa pagtupad ng kasunduang ito na ipinangako ng DOH at PhilHealth sa milyon-milyon nating kababayan. Hindi dapat ipagkait sa mga Pilipino ang mga pondong inilaan para sa kanilang kalusugan. Hindi ito dapat bawasan o ilipat sa ibang programa na wala namang mamamatay kung hindi gawin, dahil lang sa kupad o hindi ito nagamit sa loob ng mahabang panahon,” he said. A staunch health advocate, Lee successfully pushed for the 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits implemented last February 14 after he exposed the billions of investible funds in the state health insurer’s coffers. The benefit hike includes increasing the PhilHealth benefit package for hemodialysis from P2,600 to P6,350 per session and from 90 sessions per year to 156 sessions annually, as well as the increase in breast cancer treatment coverage from P100,000 to P1.4 million. Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 14 Nov 2024 Lee Wants Free Vaccines For All Senior Citizens 14 Nov 2024 Lee Lauds Supreme Court’s TRO, Renews Call for Enhanced UHC Benefits 13 Nov 2024 PhilHealth Benefit Expansion: Lee Advocates Improvements in UHC Law Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee Secures Free Prescription Glasses in PhilHealth Package, Ensuring Eye Care for All

Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee Secures Free Prescription Glasses in PhilHealth Package, Ensuring Eye Care for All After tirelessly advocating for free eye care, Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee applauded PhilHealth’s announcement that millions of Filipinos will soon have access to free prescription glasses and optometric services starting in November. This initiative, achieved through Lee’s efforts in collaboration with DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa and PhilHealth CEO Emmanuel Ledesma Jr., ensures that eye care reaches even the most financially vulnerable communities. This new service supports Lee’s goal of achieving affordable healthcare for all under the Universal Health Care Law. Lee, who is leading relief operations in Bicol for communities affected by Tropical Storm Kristine, highlighted the critical role that clear vision plays in enhancing productivity and quality of life. For many Filipinos, the high cost of eye check-ups and prescription glasses has been a burden. “Malaking tulong ito lalo na sa mahihirap nating kababayan na tinitiis na lang ang malabong paningin,” he said, stressing the benefits this initiative brings to families in need. Lee’s broader healthcare commitments include free diagnostic tests, expanded cancer treatment coverage, and a 50% increase in PhilHealth benefits—all set for implementation by year-end. “Laban natin itong lahat!” Lee declared, pledging to monitor DOH and PhilHealth to ensure these health services are delivered promptly. His advocacy continues to bridge healthcare gaps for millions across the nation, underscoring his dedication to a healthier Philippines. #FreeEyeCare #HealthcareForFilipinos #WilbertLeeHealthAdvocacy #AGRIForChange Healthcare Policy Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts 08 Nov 2024 Supreme Court Welcomes SC Decision to Stop PhilHealth Fund Transfer 07 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 Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News