Lee Urges PhilHealth, PCA To Expedite Implementation Of Coconut Farmers’ Health Benefits
Lee Urges PhilHealth, PCA To Expedite Implementation Of Coconut Farmers’ Health Benefits Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee on Monday called on the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) to fast-track the implementation of health benefits for coconut farmers which has been delayed for several years. The said benefits are mandated by Republic Act (RA) No. 11524 or the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund (CFITF) Act enacted in 2021 to ease the plight of coconut farmers through support on their health and livelihood. “Dapat agaran nang maipatupad ang mga benepisyong pangkalusugan para sa mga magniniyog na matagal na dapat naipagkaloob gamit ang pondo para sa kanila. Sila ang pundasyon ng isa sa mga pangunahing industriya sa bansa. Mapapalakas pa lalo ang industriya ng niyog kung pinapangalagaan ang kalusugan at kabuhayan ng mga magniniyog,” Lee said. Citing President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos’ goal for the country to become the world’s top coconut exporter, the Bicolano lawmaker reiterated: “Kung seryoso tayo na maabot ang layuning ito, hindi na dapat patagalin pa ang pagpapatupad ng mga dagdag na mga serbisyong pangkalusugan para sa ating mga magniniyog.” It can be recalled that on March 1, 2024, Lee had a meeting with the leadership of PhilHealth and PCA to discuss the importance of informing the coconut farmers and providing them the health benefits that they deserve saying: “Malaking tulong na alam ng ating mga magniniyog ang mga serbisyo ng PhilHealth para mabawasan ang kanilang pasanin at pangamba sa oras na sila ay magkasakit o magpa-ospital.” On April 4, 2024, the solon from Bicol filed House Resolution (HR) No. 1673 urging the Congress to thoroughly investigate the delayed implementation of the health and medical services for the coconut farmers and their families prescribed by the CFITF Act and Executive Order (EO) No. 172. Lee also filed HR No. 954 on May 9, 2023 upon discovering that only 34% of the total Coco Levy Fund was disbursed for fiscal year 2022 to provide grants and subsidies for the livelihood and welfare of coconut farmers. These measures are results of Lee’s constant collaboration with PhilHealth and PCA in crafting policies to ensure that Filipino coconut farmers will get what they deserve. Further, in May 26, 2024 episode of public service program “Si Manoy ang Ninong Ko,” where PCA Administrator Dexter Respicio Buted served as one of the resource persons, Lee stressed the need to prioritize the implementation of essential services for coconut farmers including livelihood assistance and health benefits, among others. A staunch health advocate, he successfully pushed for a 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits last February 14, after more than a decade of these not being adjusted or reviewed by the DOH and PhilHealth. These include 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 P1.4M. He is likewise at the forefront of enhancing PhilHealth benefit packages by including costly diagnostic scans such as PET Scan, CT Scan and MRI, providing free optometric services, and increasing the state health insurer’s benefits by another 50%. Last House budget deliberations, through his persistent efforts, Lee was able to secure commitments from the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth in implementing expanded health services for all Filipinos. “Ang pondo para sa mga magniniyog, dapat gamitin para sa serbisyo at benepisyo para sa mga magniniyog. Matagal na itong ipinagkait sa kanila at malaking kasalanan kung patatagalin pa ito,” Lee said. “Bawasan natin ang kanilang pangamba, ng kanilang pamilya at ng lahat ng Pilipino sa pagkakasakit sa takot na lalong malubog sa utang at kahirapan dahil walang pambili ng gamot o pambayad sa ospital. Huwag na nating pabigatin pa ang pasanin ng ating mga kababayan. Gawin na natin!” Lee remarked. 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
Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Calls for PhilHealth Benefits Meeting to Be Livestreamed for Public Transparency
Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Calls for PhilHealth Benefits Meeting to Be Livestreamed for Public Transparency Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee has filed House Resolution No. 2015 urging the Benefits Committee (BenCom) of PhilHealth, led by the Department of Health (DOH), to convene immediately for benefit increases and livestream their meeting for public access. Lee emphasized that with over P500 billion in PhilHealth funds, the public deserves to know how their entitlements are being decided. “Dapat ipatupad na sa lalong madaling panahon ang mga dagdag na coverage sa mga sakit at operasyon,” Lee stressed, pushing for real-time updates to keep the public informed. #PhilHealthTransparency #HealthForAll #WilbertLeeAdvocacy 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
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
Health Reforms Take Shape: Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Continuously Fights for Lower Medical Costs for Filipinos
Health Reforms Take Shape: Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Continuously Fights for Lower Medical Costs for Filipinos The fight for accessible and quality healthcare has taken a significant leap forward as Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee secured the DOH‘s commitment to lower the cost of hospitalization and medical services. With 50% benefit enhancements across the board and a focus on pediatric and adult prescription glasses, DOH and PhilHealth is set to make healthcare more affordable for millions of Filipinos. “Illness shouldn’t cost livelihoods,” Lee emphasized, underscoring his commitment to continuously monitor the implementation of these reforms. #HealthcareRevolution #PhilHealthForAll #WilbertLeeFightsForHealth #LowerMedicalCosts 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
Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee’s Efforts Pay Off: PhilHealth to Cover Major Diagnostics and Cancer Treatments
Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee’s Efforts Pay Off: PhilHealth to Cover Major Diagnostics and Cancer Treatments Through his persistent efforts to improve healthcare service in the country, Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee has secured commitments from the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth to provide wider coverage for diagnostic tests and life-saving treatments. From free PET scan, CT scan and MRI to covering 80% of cancer treatments, these benefits will be effective by December 2024. “Kasama ang sambayanan, babantayan ko ito,” Lee remarked, stressing the importance of ensuring that these commitments translate into real benefits for the public. #ExpandedHealthcare #PhilHealthCoverage #WilbertLeeAdvocacy #BetterHealthForAll 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
Accessible Healthcare for Filipinos: Lee Secures DOH, PhilHealth Commitment to Increase Health Benefits
Accessible Healthcare for Filipinos: Lee Secures DOH, PhilHealth Commitment to Increase Health Benefits In a significant victory for Filipinos, Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee of Agri Party-List has succeeded in his persistent push to increase PhilHealth benefits, reducing the hospital expenses of millions. The Department of Health (DOH) has committed to boosting PhilHealth’s spending from P140 billion to P250 billion for FY 2025, marking a major step forward for affordable healthcare. He likewise secured commitment for a 50% across-the-board increase in PhilHealth benefits, inclusion of costly diagnostic tests such as PET Scan, CT Scan, and MRI and eye care in the benefit packages, and increasing coverage of chemotherapy and heart procedures to 80%, among others. “Natutuwa po tayo na matapos ang mahigit na ilang dekada ng paghihintay, nakuha natin ang pangakong ito. Di natin ito titigilan hanggang sa maisakatuparan ito! “ Lee said, highlighting the long battle to achieve more accessible medical services for every Filipino. #HealthcareVictory #PhilHealthBenefits #WilbertLeeForFilipinos #AffordableHealthcareNow Healthcare Policy 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
Lee’s Demand To Overhaul Healthcare Services Gains Overwhelming Support
Lee’s Demand To Overhaul Healthcare Services Gains Overwhelming Support Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee garnered overwhelming support for successfully securing a commitment from the Department of Health (DOH) and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) that they will impose radical increases in healthcare benefits to lower the out-of-pocket medical expenses of Filipinos. During the September 23 House Plenary budget deliberations, Lee stressed that “We need a radical overhaul and not incremental change in our health financing. Radikal, hindi tingi-tingi na suporta sa serbisyong pangkalusugan.” It can be recalled that during the recently concluded House Plenary budget debates, the Bicolano lawmaker secured a strong commitment from the DOH and PhilHealth to improve health services as signed by DOH Secretary and Chairman of PhilHealth Board Ted Herbosa and PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. According to Lee, DOH and PhilHealth committed to implement concrete plans to ease the financial burden of Filipino families from healthcare costs. Some of which include implementing a 50% across-the-board PhilHealth benefits increase effective November 2024, free diagnostic tests such as PET scan, CT scan and MRI as part of outpatient services, and coverage of at least 80% for cancer treatments and heart procedures not later than December 31, 2024, among other additional health services. The same commitment letter was used by health reform advocate Dr. Tony Leachon as a model to urge the Senate Committee on Health and Demography in making the health agencies accountable to increase benefits, especially with PhilHealth’s billions of funds which Lee exposed last year. During the October 2 Senate panel hearing, Leachon, holding a copy of the said commitment letter secured by Lee, said: “I think, this should be a commitment exercise letter in front of the public, streamlined, para malaman ang commitment nila…Dapat ho ganun ang gawin natin para hindi ho tayo napapaglalangan.” Meanwhile, in a September 27 interview, former Department of Finance Undersecretary Cielo Magno lauded Lee for his persistent advocacy in pushing for transparency from the PhilHealth Benefits Committee, the sub-committee responsible for the policy directions and benefits development of PhilHealth. “Maganda yung sinasabi ni Cong. Wilbert na may accountability dapat ang board na ito at makita natin kung paano sila nagdedesisyon. Alam ko na si Cong. Wilbert, not just in this hearing, last hearing pa niya minomonitor yan. Talagang tinatanong niya ‘yan,” Magno said. Further, in Lee’s recent visit to his fellow Bicolano and fellow Sorsoganon, Senate President Escudero, both lawmakers agreed in pushing for PhilHealth benefit increases. Social media users also expressed support to Lee for his consistent efforts to improve the healthcare services in the country. “Napakagandang balita po niyan, maraming salamat po sa malasakit,” a netizen wrote. “Good luck sir… ituloy ang laban basta itama ang lahat,” another netizen posted. According to the solon from Bicol, these sentiments prove that the fight for a better healthcare system is a fight of all Filipinos. “Ang laban na ito ay hindi pansarili o ng iilan lang. Noong isang taon pa natin ito sinimulan at babantayan natin ito hanggang maisakatuparan ang mga kailangang-kailangan at karapatan ng ating mga kababayan na serbisyong pangkalusugan,” Lee said. “De-kalidad at libreng gamot at pagpapagamot para sa lahat, gawin na natin!” he added. 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
Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Gains Massive Support for Overhaul in Philippine Healthcare Services
Cong. Wilbert Lee Gains Support for Healthcare Overhaul Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee of Agri Party-List has secured a historic commitment from the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth to radically increase healthcare benefits, aiming to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for millions of Filipinos. Lee’s advocacy has been met with overwhelming public support, signaling a major shift in healthcare policy. Lee, during the September 23 House Plenary, highlighted the need for “Radikal, hindi tingi-tingi na suporta sa serbisyong pangkalusugan.” This sentiment has resonated with Filipinos nationwide who demand accessible and affordable healthcare. With these new commitments, PhilHealth will provide a 50% benefits increase, starting in November, covering essential diagnostics and 80% of cancer and heart treatments by December 2024. #HealthcareReform #PhilHealthCoverage #WilbertLeeAdvocacy #AccessibleHealthcare #PhilippinesHealthcare Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues 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
Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee’s Healthcare Reform Plan Receives Praise from Lawmakers and Public Alike
Cong. Wilbert Lee’s Healthcare Reform Plan Receives Praise from Lawmakers and Public Alike Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee has garnered praise for his unwavering commitment to healthcare reform, as evidenced by the support of former DOF Undersecretary Cielo Magno and Senate President Chiz Escudero. The September 23 House budget debates showcased Lee’s advocacy, which also resonated strongly on social media, with Filipinos thanking Lee for his dedication to accessible healthcare. Lee’s advocacy has fueled a movement toward a better healthcare system, with support pouring in from all sectors. “Ang laban na ito ay hindi pansarili o ng iilan lang,” Lee emphasized, calling for “De-kalidad at libreng gamot at pagpapagamot para sa lahat.” The solon remains resolute in monitoring the DOH and PhilHealth to ensure that these promises translate into real improvements for Filipino families. #SupportForHealthcare #WilbertLee #PhilippinesHealthReform #AccessibleHealthcareForAll #BetterHealthForFilipinos 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
PhilHealth to Implement 50% Benefits Increase Thanks to Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee’s Persistent Advocacy
PhilHealth to Implement 50% Benefits Increase Thanks to Cong. Wilbert “manoy” Lee’s Persistent Advocacy Thanks to the tireless efforts of Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee, PhilHealth is set to implement a 50% increase in benefits, marking a new era for Philippine healthcare. This historic development follows Lee’s call for an overhaul in health financing to address the pressing needs of Filipinos burdened by medical expenses. The commitment, signed by DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa and PhilHealth CEO Emmanuel Ledesma Jr., promises free PET, CT, and MRI scans and extensive coverage for cancer and heart disease treatments. Lee’s push for transparency has also inspired health reform advocate Dr. Tony Leachon to rally for accountability from health agencies. #PhilHealthBenefits #HealthcareTransparency #WilbertLeeForFilipinos #HealthAdvocacy #MedicalAidForAll 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