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Tag: Wilbert T. Lee

Cong. Wilbert Lee Urges Focus on Healthcare Gains, Not Mic Scuffle Incident

Cong. Wilbert Lee Urges Focus on Healthcare Gains, Not Mic Scuffle Incident Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee of Agri Party-list has called on the public and media to focus on the significant gains he has secured for Filipino healthcare, rather than the microphone incident involving Cong. Paul Daza. During the House plenary deliberations of the Department of Health (DOH) budget on September 25, Lee grabbed the microphone in frustration, but his focus remained clear: advocating for improved healthcare services for all Filipinos. Lee’s commitment to Filipino health is underscored by his push for several critical healthcare reforms, including a 50% increase in PhilHealth benefits and expanded coverage for vital diagnostic tests. “Hindi dapat matabunan ang ipinaglalaban nating ito dahil ito ang kailangang-kailangan nang maipatupad agad para sa kalusugan ng ating mga kababayan,” Lee stated. His efforts are focused on reducing the financial burden on Filipino families when it comes to healthcare. While the media may focus on the controversy, Lee is determined to highlight the wins he has secured for Filipino healthcare and to ensure that these reforms are implemented effectively. #WilbertLee #HealthcareReforms #PhilHealthBenefits #Congress #HealthcareForAll #DOHBudget Healthcare Policy Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts 09 Oct 2024 Health Reforms Take Shape: Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Continuously Fights for Lower Medical Costs for Filipinos 08 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee's Efforts Pay Off: PhilHealth to Cover Major Diagnostics and Cancer Treatments 07 Oct 2024 Accessible Healthcare for Filipinos: Lee Secures DOH, PhilHealth Commitment to Increase Health Benefits Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News

Healthcare Wins for Every Filipino: PhilHealth Benefits Expanded, Free Diagnostic Tests Soon

Healthcare Wins for Every Filipino: PhilHealth Benefits Expanded, Free Diagnostic Tests Soon Congressman Wilbert “Manoy” Lee continues his fight for better healthcare access for every Filipino! After intense deliberations, we have successfully secured a 50% increase in PhilHealth benefits and expanded coverage for essential diagnostic tests like PET scan, CT scan, and MRI not later than Dec. 2024. These wins mean more affordable and accessible medical care for every Filipino family. Imagine not having to worry about costly diagnostic tests or treatments anymore—because healthcare is a right, not a privilege. Here’s what you can expect: – 50% increase in PhilHealth benefits, effective November 2024. – Free PET scan, CT scan, and MRI as part of outpatient services to be implemented not later than December 31, 2024. – 80% coverage for cancer treatments like chemotherapy, and for heart procedures by the end of this year. – Free prescription glasses for children and adults by November 2024. We need to stay vigilant and ensure these commitments from DOH and PhilHealth are delivered. This is a fight for every Filipino who are concerned about falling ill, as they fear sinking further into poverty because they cannot afford to buy medicines or pay high hospital expenses. Let’s work together to hold them accountable and make sure these reforms become a reality. Manoy Wilbert Lee has stood his ground to secure these benefits, but we need your help! Here’s how you can get involved: Spread the word: Share this update with your friends and family. Let them know about these new healthcare benefits. Monitor the progress: Stay informed about the implementation of these reforms and share any experiences related to PhilHealth services. Join the conversation: Use the hashtags below to keep the momentum going! Healthcare should never be a burden. Together, we can make sure these promises are kept. Join the conversation! #PhilHealthWins #HealthcareForEveryJuan #HealthForAllPH #SupportManoyWilbertLee #OutOfPocketReductionPH Let’s make sure no Filipino is left behind when it comes to healthcare. Stay updated, share, and take action today! Healthcare Policy Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts 15 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Laments DOH’s Inaction on PhilHealth Benefits Amid Billions in Funds 14 Oct 2024 Lee Respects Filing Of Ethics Complaint Of Fellow Lawmakers 12 Oct 2024 “Sampolan ang DOH!” Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Blocks Budget Over Failure to Implement PhilHealth Changes Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News

Instead of mic scuffle LEE TO FOCUS ON FILIPINO HEALTHCARE WINS: 50% INCREASE IN PHILHEALTH BENEFITS, FREE PET, CT SCAN, MRI

Instead of mic scuffle Lee To Focus On Filipino Healthcare Wins: 50% Increase In PhilHealth Benefits, Free PET, CT Scan, MRI Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee wants the positive result of fiscalizing the Department of Health (DOH) budget and its attached agencies acknowledged instead of focusing on the mic scuffle between him and House Senior Deputy Minority Leader Cong. Paul Daza. It can be recalled that during the House plenary deliberation of the DOH budget on September 25, the Bicolano lawmaker grabbed the microphone from Daza upon realizing that he will no longer be given the opportunity to speak. “Naipaliwanag po natin sa plenaryo kung bakit natin ginustong makapagsalita pa bago matapos ang deliberasyon. Gusto nating ibahagi ang napagtagumpayan natin na mga dagdag na serbisyong pangkalusugan, hindi lang para maipaalam ito sa Kongreso at sa sambayanang Pilipino kundi para sama-sama ring bantayan ang implementasyon nito,” Lee said pertaining to the commitment signed by the DOH Secretary and Chairman of PhilHealth Board Ted Herbosa and PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. to lower the out-of-pocket hospital expenses of Filipinos. “Hindi dapat matabunan ang ipinaglalaban nating ito dahil ito ang kailangang-kailangan nang maipatupad agad para sa kalusugan ng ating mga kababayan. Deserve ito ng bawat Pilipino. Dapat mapababa ang out-of-pocket expenses o gastusin nila kapag nagkasakit hanggang maging libre na ang pagpapagamot dahil karapatan ito ng ating mga kababayan sa ilalim ng Universal Healthcare Law,” he added. According to Lee, DOH and PhilHealth expressed its strong commitment to implement its plan to lower the out-of-pocket medical expenses of our countrymen. Some of which are: – To implement another round of benefits package enhancement, across-the-board, by 50% effective November 2024. – To cover 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. – To cover at least 80% of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and procedures for heart diseases not later than December 31, 2024. – To cover pediatrics and adult prescription glasses by November 2024. “Hindi po ito laban na pansarili lang. Laban ito ng milyong-milyong Pilipinong laging may pangamba na magkasakit sa takot na malubog lalo sa utang at kahirapan dahil walang pambili ng gamot o pambayad sa ospital,” the solon from Bicol said. In a radio interview on September 27, House Deputy Majority Leader Janette Garin stated that Lee is correct in pushing to reduce the out-of-pocket spending of Filipinos. “Tama naman ‘yung advocacy niya, kasi nga ang kinukuwestiyon niya ay bakit malaki pa rin ang out-of-pocket expenditure ‘pag tayo’y nagkakasakit,” she said. Meanwhile, in an interview with former Department of Finance Undersecretary Cielo Magno last September 27, Lee underscored the importance of persistently pushing for PhilHealth increases and ensuring their immediate implementation. “Kapag nakalampas kasi ang budget ng DOH nang hindi natin natiyak ang kanilang commitment, idi-dribble na naman tayo hanggang sa susunod na budget season. Iyan ang nangyari last year. Pinangakuan nila tayo sa budget hearing pero anong nangyari? Tingi-tingi lang ang naidagdag na serbisyo habang ang dami nating namamatay na mga kababayan. Hindi ito makatarungan,” Lee said. In agreement with the solon from Bicol, Magno remarked. “Alam kong si Cong. Wilbert, not just in this hearing, last hearing pa niya mino-monitor ‘yan, saka tinatanong niya talaga.” A staunch health advocate, Lee successfully pushed for the 30% across-the-board increase of PhilHealth benefits implemented last February 14. Healthcare Policy Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts 07 Oct 2024 Accessible Healthcare for Filipinos: Lee Secures DOH, PhilHealth Commitment to Increase Health Benefits 04 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert "Manoy" T. Lee Gains Massive Support for Overhaul in Philippine Healthcare Services 04 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert "Manoy" T. Lee’s Healthcare Reform Plan Receives Praise from Lawmakers and Public Alike Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News

Lee Urges DOH to Enhance PhilHealth, Cut Costs

Lee urges DOH to Enhance Philhealth, Cut Cost The Department of Health (DOH) heeded the persistent calls of Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee in providing a comprehensive plan and timeline in lowering the out-of-pocket medical expenses of Filipinos, particularly by increasing the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) benefit packages. “Natutuwa po tayo na matapos ang mahigit na isang dekada ng paghihintay para sa dagdag na serbisyong pangkalusugan, ngayon po, dito sa ating 19th Congress, ay humakbang tayo palapit sa katuparan ng ating adhikain na libreng gamot at pagpapagamot para sa bawat Pilipino.” “Nagpapasalamat tayo sa pamumuno ni House Speaker Martin Romualdez na tumutok sa ating mga deliberasyon hanggang maipasa ang Pambansang Budget,” Lee said during his explanation of his affirmative vote on the 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) passed by the House of Representatives on Wednesday. “Ito pong ating ipinaglalaban para sa budget ng kalusugan ay hindi po pansarili, ito ay laban ng milyon-milyon nating kababayan na araw-araw ay humaharap sa pangamba na magkasakit sa takot na lalong malubog sa utang at kahirapan dahil walang pambili ng gamot o pambayad sa ospital,” he added. According to the Bicolano lawmaker, DOH and PhilHealth expressed its strong commitment as signed by DOH Secretary and Chairman of PhilHealth Board Ted Herbosa and PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. to implement the following, among others: To boost PhilHealth’s spending by increasing benefit payments from P140 billion, as reported, to P250 billion for FY 2025 on how to lower the out-of-pocket expenses of Filipinos on their hospitalization costs and health services  To cover pediatrics and adult prescription glasses by November 2024.  To implement another round of benefits package enhancement, across-the-board, by 50% effective November 2024.  To cover diagnostic tests such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan and Computed Tomography (CT) scan as part of outpatient services not later than December 31, 2024. To cover at least 80% of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and procedures for heart diseases not later than December 31, 2024.   Notwithstanding the commitments made by DOH and PhilHealth, Lee underscored the need to monitor its implementation as the fight for quality, accessible and compassionate healthcare is far from over, saying, “Hindi natatapos sa paglagda ng commitment na ito ang ating laban. Ang pinakamahalaga po dito ay ang epektibong implementasyon.” “Kasama ang sambayanan, babantayan ko ito. Illness shouldn’t cost livelihoods. Para sa buhay at kabuhayan ng bawat Pilipino, hindi ko ito tatantanan!” Lee remarked. It can be recalled that during the House Budget Plenary Debates last September 23, Lee deferred the budget of the health agency three times, citing dissatisfaction over the commitments it provided, which eventually suspended the budget deliberations of the DOH. A staunch health advocate,Lee successfully pushed for the 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits which was implemented last February 14. As early as March this year, Lee has also been pushing for the inclusion of optometric services in PhilHealth urgent care packages, as well as the costly diagnostic tests such as PET scan, CT scan, and MRI, among others. “Patuloy lang tayo sa pakikinig at pagtugon sa mga hinaing ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino na walang pambili ng gamot at pambayad sa ospital. Sa pagtutulungan, maipapanalo natin itong laban na ito. Libreng gamot at pagpapagamot, gawin na natin. Laban natin itong lahat!” Lee said. Healthcare Policy Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts 07 Oct 2024 Accessible Healthcare for Filipinos: Lee Secures DOH, PhilHealth Commitment to Increase Health Benefits 04 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert "Manoy" T. Lee Gains Massive Support for Overhaul in Philippine Healthcare Services 04 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert "Manoy" T. Lee’s Healthcare Reform Plan Receives Praise from Lawmakers and Public Alike Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News

Lee defers DOH budget, demands plan for PhilHealth benefits increase

Lee defers DOH budget, demands comprehensive plan on PhilHealth benefits increases Congressman Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee deferred the House plenary deliberations on the proposed 2025 budget for the Department of Health (DOH) and its attached agencies, including the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), on Monday. This decision stemmed from the agency’s inaction and lack of specific plans to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses for Filipinos. During the House debates, Lee expressed dissatisfaction with the DOH’s responses regarding the implementation of PhilHealth benefit increases, which he has been advocating for. As a result, he moved to defer the budget discussions multiple times, ultimately leading to the suspension of the deliberations. “It’s disheartening to see the DOH acting this way. Are the officials ignoring the pleas of Filipinos regarding inadequate healthcare services? Why can’t they provide what is necessary for the health and well-being of our citizens?” Lee lamented. He previously criticized the DOH, which leads the Benefits Committee (BenCom) responsible for PhilHealth policy directions, for its unresponsive benefits packages. “Are we just going to wait idly while we hope for an approval of our call for better and more tangible benefits from PhilHealth? Are these officials gods, sitting before us? If it takes my pleading for the people, I will do it. Have compassion for the Filipinos,” Lee stressed, questioning the urgency and inaction of the PhilHealth Benefits Committee. “Will we just be left waiting again? Is it only to be sidelined in the next budget deliberations? Since they have not provided the repeatedly requested benefit increases before these discussions, there has been no announcement of a plan or timeline to address public concerns, nor any indication of what help they need. This is a grave injustice to the people,” he remarked. “We are not just violating their rights; we are allowing them to suffer without a fight.” According to Lee, with hundreds of billions in PhilHealth funds, he felt he had “no choice” but to defer the DOH budget until the agency submits: A detailed plan with a timeline to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for hospitalization. A significant increase in the benefit package to cover diagnostic tests like PET scans, MRIs, and CT scans as part of outpatient services. A revised benefit plan approved by the PhilHealth Board, complete with an implementation timeline. Full coverage for cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and procedures for heart diseases. A 50% increase in benefits effective immediately. Inclusion of optometric services and eyeglasses in the PhilHealth benefits package by September 30. An expansion plan for PhilHealth-accredited facilities offering special medical services like breast cancer treatment. A timeline for the implementation of the Konsulta program by PhilHealth. A comprehensive report on medicines and vaccines, including the latest statements on allotment, obligation, and disbursement. The latest statement on the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP), including plans and timelines for acquiring medical equipment for public hospitals. “We need a radical overhaul, not just incremental changes in our health financing. This is not about piecemeal support for healthcare,” the Bicolano lawmaker said. “As the saying goes, ‘every life is valuable,’ but why must we face the reality that to receive treatment and prolong lives, we must incur exorbitant costs? Health funds must be utilized for health!” A staunch advocate for healthcare, Lee successfully pushed for a 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits that was implemented on February 14. While there is no confirmed schedule for the resumption of the plenary deliberation on the DOH budget, the House debates are set to conclude this week. “Healthcare is a serious matter. Lives are at stake here. We will stand firm until the end, as this is a fight for every Filipino. I will not back down!” Lee declared. “Illness should not cost livelihoods. Let’s work towards equitable and compassionate healthcare until medications and treatments are free for every Filipino,” he added. Healthcare Access and Equity Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts 15 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Laments DOH’s Inaction on PhilHealth Benefits Amid Billions in Funds 14 Oct 2024 Lee Respects Filing Of Ethics Complaint Of Fellow Lawmakers 12 Oct 2024 “Sampolan ang DOH!” Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Blocks Budget Over Failure to Implement PhilHealth Changes Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News

Lee blasts DOH inaction on PhilHealth benefits increases

Lee blasts DOH inaction on PhilHealth benefits increases Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee lamented the lack of urgency and inaction of the Department of Health (DOH) on pressing healthcare issues such as the slow implementation of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) benefits increase and non-inclusion of costly diagnostic tests in the urgent care packages despite the state health insurer’s billions of available funds. Lee is set to scrutinize the proposed 2025 budget of DOH today at the House Plenary debates. He earlier called out DOH which leads the Benefits Committee (BenCom), the sub-committee responsible for the policy directions and benefits development of PhilHealth, on why its benefits packages remain unresponsive to the needs of members and beneficiaries. “Sa pagsalang ng DOH sa plenary deliberations sa Kongreso, bubusisiin natin kung bakit sa kabila ng bilyon-bilyong pondo ng PhilHealth, tingi-tingi at pinatatagal pa rin ang mga dagdag benepisyo nito, gayong napakarami pa nitong kailangang tugunan para sa kalusugan ng ating mga kababayan,” the Bicolano lawmaker said. It can be recalled that during the DOH Budget Briefing held last September 4, citing the more than P500 billion worth of investments of PhilHealth, Lee warned the health department that he will defer its budget at the plenary debates if it is still unable to address the concerns he raised regarding PhilHealth’s enormous funds. “Mula pa nung nakaraang taon nang nabisto natin ang bilyon-bilyong available funds ng PhilHealth, iginiit na natin na bukod sa pagbabayad nito sa utang sa mga ospital, ay gamitin nito ang pondo sa pagpapalawak ng mga benepisyong pangkalusugan,” the solon from Bicol said. “Hanggang ngayon, kulang na kulang pa rin ang mga naipagkakaloob nitong serbisyo para arugain ang mga Pilipino. Napakalaking kasalanan sa taumbayan ang pagtengga o paglipat ng pondo para sa kalusugan sa ibang programa na wala namang mamamatay kung hindi gawin.” “Illness shouldn’t cost livelihoods. Kung hindi naibibigay ang dapat at kayang ibigay na serbisyong pangkalusugan, marami tayong kababayan ang lumalala ang sakit at hindi nakakapaghanap-buhay, at sa kasamaang palad, namamatay,” he added. A staunch health advocate, Lee successfully led the 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits which was implemented last February 14. He is currently pushing for another 50% increase in PhilHealth coverage. As early as March this year, Lee has been pushing for the inclusion of optometric services in PhilHealth urgent care packages, as well as the costly diagnostic tests such as the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT) scan, among others. Lee will also propound questions today on the proposed 2025 budget of the Department of Agriculture (DA) where he will discuss issues on food security and lowering the prices of food. “Ang pera ng gobyerno, pera ng taumbayan. Wala tayong karapatan na nasa gobyerno na hindi ibigay ang dapat ibigay para maabot ang Murang Pagkain at Libreng Gamot at Pagpapagamot para sa bawat Pilipino. Laban natin itong lahat! Gawin na natin!” Lee added. Healthcare Policy Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts 07 Oct 2024 Accessible Healthcare for Filipinos: Lee Secures DOH, PhilHealth Commitment to Increase Health Benefits 04 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert "Manoy" T. Lee Gains Massive Support for Overhaul in Philippine Healthcare Services 04 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert "Manoy" T. Lee’s Healthcare Reform Plan Receives Praise from Lawmakers and Public Alike Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News

Include MRI, PET, CT scan, and costly diagnostic tests in PhilHealth urgent care benefit packages – Lee

Wilbert Lee Pushes for Expanded PhilHealth Coverage of Diagnostic Tests News include MRI, PET, CT scan, costly diagnostic tests in PhilHealth urgent care benefit packages – Lee “Yung kayang ibigay, dapat ibigay na agad!” This was what AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee reiterated as he pushed for the inclusion of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Computed Tomography (CT) scan, and all other diagnostic tests in the urgent care packages of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). During the House Committee on Health hearing on Tuesday, Lee stressed that “napakatagal na po ng mga modernong teknolohiyang ito na ginagamit para ma-detect kung meron at kung ano nang stage ng cancer, pero hindi pa pala ito automatic na covered ng PhilHealth. Napakahalaga na may access dito ang ating mga kababayan.” Currently, the MRI, CT and PET scans are only covered by PhilHealth if these are undertaken as inpatient services. On the other hand, these are included in the Department of Health’s (DOH) Medical Assistance to Indigent Patients (MAIP) program. “Napakaraming pera ng PhilHealth. Sabi nga natin, hindi prayoridad ng PhilHealth na ilagak ang pondo sa bangko. Bilang health insurance provider, dapat gamitin, ubusin ito kung kinakailangan, sa pagpapalawak ng mga benepisyo nito, kasama na ang full coverage sa mabibigat na karamdaman at diagnostic tests. Huwag nating patagalin at ipagkait ang serbisyo, lalo na sa nangangailangan,” Lee said.  “Paano kung hindi naka-confine pero kailangang gawin ang ganitong procedure? Kailangan pang magpa-admit muna? Paano kung walang malapitan o mapagkunan ng MAIP? Di biro ang gagastusin sa mga ito. Bago pa makaipon, baka malala na ang sakit o kaya naman ay mabaon sa utang para lang maipagawa ang procedure na ito,” he added. During the May 21 House Committee on Health hearing, Lee raised a motion for the Committee to urge PhilHealth to include the said scans and diagnostic services in its benefit packages which was then approved by Chairperson Rep. Gato Ciriaco Jr.  A staunch health advocate, Lee aggressively pushed for the 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits. This came after he revealed during the DOH budget hearing last September 2023 that the state health insurer had P466 billion investible funds aside from its P68.4 billion net income and P100 billion government subsidy. In his October 2023 letter addressed to PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer (PCEO) Emmanuel Ledesma, Jr. and House Resolution No. 1407 filed October of last year, Lee urged the state health insurer to increase all its benefit packages by 30% since its case rate is no longer responsive to the hospitalization cost of beneficiaries, as this has not been adjusted for over a decade. The 30% increase in PhilHealth benefit packages took effect on February 14. Ledesma, on his part, acknowledged Lee’s persistence in calling for the said increase. “Kami sa PhilHealth, we will be eternally grateful to Honorable Wilbert Lee… Yung pagka-mention niya na ‘ang dami-dami niyong pera, you have to start thinking of the benefit package increases’, talagang si Honorable Lee is really the one who got the ball rolling. Siya talaga yung spark… and it was really, the way it was mentioned, the way it was highlighted, I think everyone started talking about it. Pero honestly Cong., kayo ang nag-umpisa ng lahat. Maraming, maraming, maraming salamat,” Ledesma stated during the House Committee on Health briefing last February 14. The solon from Bicol also advocated for the full coverage of dialysis, cancer treatment, heart bypass surgery, and other diagnostic tests and preventive measures, as well as the effective implementation of the “No Balance Billing” with the ultimate goal of freeing our countrymen from out-of-pocket medical expenses. “Sabi ko nga po, hindi tayo hihinto sa 30% increase lang sa mga benepisyo ng PhilHealth. The government should be proactive in providing the Filipinos what they deserve. We deserve better healthcare services, so we should demand better,” the Bicolano lawmaker said. “Bukod sa tiyak na trabaho, dagdag na kita, sapat at murang pagkain, kasama sa mga serbisyong dapat singilin mula sa gobyerno ang pagkakaloob ng de-kalidad, abot-kaya, at mapagmalasakit na serbisyong pangkalusugan. Winner Tayo Lahat kung maibibigay ito sa Pilipino, kung saan mababawasan ang pasanin at pangamba nila na lalong malubog sa utang at kahirapan dahil walang panggastos sa gamot o pagpapa-ospital,” Lee added. Healthcare Access and Equity Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts 15 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Laments DOH’s Inaction on PhilHealth Benefits Amid Billions in Funds 14 Oct 2024 Lee Respects Filing Of Ethics Complaint Of Fellow Lawmakers 12 Oct 2024 “Sampolan ang DOH!” Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Blocks Budget Over Failure to Implement PhilHealth Changes Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News

Lee to health officials: Fast-track implementation of PhilHealth benefits increases

LEE TO HEALTH OFFICIALS: FAST-TRACK IMPLEMENTATION OF PHILHEALTH BENEFITS INCREASES With Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) having more than P500 billion worth of investments, Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee filed House Resolution No. 2015 urging the Benefits Committee (BenCom) of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) led by the Department of Health (DOH), to immediately convene for the implementation of benefit increases and that the meeting must be livestreamed for public’s access.  The measure was filed as soon as the DOH announced the increase in the hemodialysis package rate from P4,000 per session to P6,350—a decision from the recent meeting of BenCom spearheaded by DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa.  “Nagpapasalamat tayo sa pakikinig ng DOH at PhilHealth sa panawagan nating taasan ang coverage sa mga medical treatment tulad ng hemodialysis. Ito yung sinasabi natin na kaya naman nilang gawin agad. Pero ang tanong pa rin: Bakit patingi-tingi ang dagdag?” Lee asked. “If the DOH, through the BenCom, can promptly convene and increase certain PhilHealth benefit packages, why can’t it be done with the coverage of other case rates with their enormous available funds,” he added.  In his Resolution, the Bicolano lawmaker also said that the BenCom meeting must be livestreamed for the public’s real time updates so that more Filipinos have access to the information and can stay informed about what’s transpiring in the deliberation of their entitlements and benefits in PhilHealth. Lee stressed that with the hundreds of billions of PhilHealth funds, “dapat ipatupad na sa lalong madaling panahon ang dagdag na coverage ng PhilHealth sa cancer treatment, coronary artery disease, MRI, PET scan, CT scan, maternity care, dental care, eye care, emergency care, comprehensive outpatient benefit package, iba pang klase ng mabibigat na karamdaman at sobrang mahal na mga operasyon sa ospital.” It can be recalled that during the 2025 DOH budget hearing held last September 4, Lee warned to defer the health agency’s budget if the proposed increase in PhilHealth benefits will remain unaddressed before the House Plenary debates.  “Para saan pa na Chairperson ang DOH sa Benefits Committee na ang layunin ay suriin at magmungkahi ng pagpapalawak sa mga benepisyo ng PhilHealth, kung hindi naman mapanatag ang mga Pilipino na may sasalo sa kanila kapag may nagkasakit sa pamilya?” Lee asked during his interpellation.  “Hanggang kailan nila maaatim na patagalin ang mga nararapat na pagtaas gayong maraming namamatay dahil sa kulang-kulang at mahal na serbisyong pangkalusugan? Napakarami rin nating mga kababayan ang nalilimas ang ipon at nababaon sa utang dahil sa laki ng bayarin sa ospital, at hindi maramdaman ang sinasagot ng PhilHealth,” Lee pointed out.  Lee, a staunch health advocate, successfully led the 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits which was implemented last February 14. Currently, he is pushing for another 50% increase in PhilHealth benefits and if funds would suffice, an eventual decrease in members’ monthly contribution.  “Pinag-uusapan ngayon kung saan pwede i-invest o gamitin ang sobrang pondo ng PhilHealth. Hindi na dapat ito pinagtatalunan pa: Ang pondo para sa kalusugan, dapat gamitin para sa kalusugan!” Lee remarked.  “Ang gamot at pagpapagamot, dapat sagot ng gobyerno para mabawasan ang pangamba ng ating mga kababayan na lalong malubog sa utang at kahirapan kapag nagkasakit dahil walang pambili ng gamot o pambayad sa ospital. Laban nating lahat ito! Gawin na natin!” he added. Healthcare Policy Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts 07 Oct 2024 Accessible Healthcare for Filipinos: Lee Secures DOH, PhilHealth Commitment to Increase Health Benefits 04 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert "Manoy" T. Lee Gains Massive Support for Overhaul in Philippine Healthcare Services 04 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert "Manoy" T. Lee’s Healthcare Reform Plan Receives Praise from Lawmakers and Public Alike Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News