WilbertHealthAdvocacy

Lee Pushes for UHC Act Amendments to Ease Filipinos’ Healthcare Burdens

Lee Pushes for UHC Act Amendments to Ease Filipinos’ Healthcare Burdens “Gamot at pagpapagamot ng Pilipino, dapat sagot ng gobyerno!” This was the rallying cry of Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee as he called for urgent amendments to the Universal Healthcare (UHC) Act, aiming to deliver more comprehensive PhilHealth benefits and reduce the financial burden of member contributions. House Bill No. 10995, filed by Lee, seeks to address the gaps in the UHC Act, including the lack of periodic reviews of benefit packages, inefficiencies in fund management, and the impact of public health emergencies. “The UHC law promised a lot, but Filipinos still face the same fears of illness driving them to debt or poverty. Strengthening this law is crucial to reduce their health burdens,” Lee emphasized. A key feature of the proposed measure is a directive for the Health Technology Assessment Council to periodically review PhilHealth benefit packages. Additionally, the bill proposes reducing the mandatory premium contributions for 2024 and 2025, deviating from the current law’s 5% rate to 4% and 4.25%, respectively. Lee also highlighted the importance of empowering the President to suspend premium hikes during national or public health emergencies. “This measure ensures that the Filipino people won’t bear additional burdens during crises,” he said, underscoring his commitment to pushing for the bill’s swift approval. #UHCAmendments #WiseLeadership #HealthcareForAll Healthcare Policy Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts 12 Nov 2024 Lee Files Measure To Simplify Processes In Availing Gov't Services, Hasten Emergency Response 10 Nov 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee Secures Major Gains to achieve Free Health Services for Filipinos 09 Nov 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee Calls for Expanded PhilHealth Benefits Amid Supreme Court TRO Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News

Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee Calls for Expanded PhilHealth Benefits Amid Supreme Court TRO

Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee Calls for Expanded PhilHealth Benefits Amid Supreme Court TRO Following a Supreme Court decision to halt PhilHealth’s fund transfers, Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee is pushing for immediate improvements in PhilHealth’s services. Lee has argued that the agency’s funds should remain focused on expanding health benefits for Filipinos rather than diverted to non-health projects. “Naninindigan po tayo na ang pondo para sa kalusugan ay hindi dapat gamitin sa mga programang hindi kasinghalaga ng kalusugan ng mga Pilipino,” he stated. The Department of Finance’s recent order resulted in P60 billion being moved from PhilHealth to the Treasury earlier this year, triggering widespread concern. Lee argues that the excess funds from PhilHealth could be better used to enhance the agency’s services, reduce membership contributions for lower-income earners, or provide immediate healthcare benefits. His advocacy is based on a core principle: health funds should serve health needs first. Lee suggested that if the government truly requires funds, they should seek them from other GOCCs that have surplus funds and are not tasked with delivering essential social services. “Imbes na sa PhilHealth bumawas ng pondo, kunin na lang sa iba pang GOCCs na may excess funds,” he said, noting that healthcare must be the priority. His commitment includes ensuring that PhilHealth benefits are strengthened and expanded as soon as possible. These funds, he argued, could jumpstart several health reforms Lee secured in recent legislative debates. By December 2024, he envisions expanded access to diagnostics, cancer treatments, and other critical services. His goal is clear: use PhilHealth’s resources to support Filipinos facing serious health challenges rather than meet broader fiscal needs. #HealthFirst #PhilHealthFunds #WiseLeadership #HealthAdvocate #CongressionalWatch Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 09 Nov 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee Calls for Expanded PhilHealth Benefits Amid Supreme Court TRO 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 Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News