Lee To DOH: Increase Hospital Allocation For Charity Beds To 30%, Require Hospitals To Post Available PhilHealth Wards
Lee To DOH: Increase Hospital Allocation For Charity Beds To 30%, Require Hospitals To Post Available PhilHealth Wards AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee has pushed for the increase of required charity beds in private hospitals from ten percent (10%) to thirty percent (30%). According to Lee, “Gusto nating mangyari na yung mga naka-allocate sa mga pribadong ospital na 10% bed capacity para sa mga indigent patients na nakapaloob sa “No Balance Billing” (NBB) policy, itaas na sa 30%.” “Para mas maraming bed capacity para sa mga pasyente na talagang nangangailangan. Isa kasi itong kakulangan sa PhilHealth wards sa mga dahilan kung bakit napapalaki ang out-of-pocket expenses ng ating mga kababayan, dahil pagdating sa ospital, ang madalas na sinasabi ay wala nang available na ward na nakalaan para sa NBB,” Lee pointed out. Under the Department of Health (DOH) Administrative Order 2007-041, as a requirement for licensure, all private hospitals shall allocate no less than 10% of its authorized bed capacity as charity beds. “Ito rin po ang prinsipyong isinusulong natin sa pagsasabatas at epektibong implementasyon ng “No Balance Billing,” para wala nang ilabas na pera ang mga kwalipikadong benepisyaryo kapag sila ay na-admit o na-confine sa ospital,” the solon from Bicol said. No Balance Billing is a government policy implemented through the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) which guarantees that no fees or expenses shall be charged or paid by the qualified members seeking urgent medical care in accredited hospitals. The Bicolano lawmaker likewise urged the DOH to require all its licensed and accredited hospitals to promote transparency in the availability of PhilHealth wards by posting a notice at their entrance indicating the number of occupied and vacant PhilHealth wards to help beneficiaries make informed decisions about their healthcare options. According to his proposed House Resolution No. 1716, “the lack of clear and visible information regarding the availability of PhilHealth wards may lead to confusion and hinder beneficiaries from utilizing their PhilHealth benefits effectively.” “How can they avail of this service if they do not know about it?” Lee asked. “Napakahalaga na alam ng mga pasyente at ng kanilang pamilya yung impormasyon tungkol sa mga bakanteng PhilHealth wards para may choice sila, lalo pa’t nandyan lagi yung pangamba nila sa laki ng bayarin sa pagpapa-ospital, na magagalaw ang kanilang budget sa iba pang pangangailangan, na baka maubos ang ipon at mabaon sa utang,” he stressed. It can be recalled that Lee successfully pushed for the 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits which was recognized by the state health insurer’s President and Chief Executive Officer (PCEO) Emmanuel Ledesma Jr., as the “spark” that led to the benefit hike implemented last February 14. Currently, solon from Bicol persistently advocates for the institutionalization of NBB, full coverage for dialysis, cancer treatment, heart bypass surgery, and other major hospital operations, as well as 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 PhilHealth, underscoring that availability of these tests shouldn’t be limited to inpatient care. “The Filipino people deserve better health services than enduring long waits in hospitals without the assurance that they will receive proper care. We should demand better and demand more from government. Lahat tayo, dapat makatamasa ng de-kalidad na serbisyong pangkalusugan, hindi yung kung sino lang ang may pambayad ang naaasikaso, nakapagpapagamot at naisasalba ang buhay,” Lee said. “Illness shouldn’t cost livelihood. Mayaman man o mahirap, dapat arugain ng Estado; lahat, may karapatang mabuhay.” “Winner Tayo Lahat kung bukod sa tiyak na trabaho, dagdag na kita, sapat at murang pagkain, ay natutugunan ang problema at nababawasan ang pangamba sa kalusugan ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino para mabigyan sila ng lakas at kakayahan na maging produktibong bahagi ng lipunan,” the solon added. Healthcare Access and Equity Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts 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 05 Nov 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee Welcomes Inclusion of Free Eyeglasses in PhilHealth Benefits Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Pagamutan Hindi Piitan! Lee Seeks Probe To Stop ‘Palit-Ulo’ In Hospitals
“PAGAMUTAN HINDI PIITAN!” Lee Seeks Probe To Stop ‘Palit-Ulo’ In Hospitals AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee has filed a measure which seeks to probe the alleged hospital detention of relatives of the deceased patients as well as the refusal to release death certificates and other relevant medical documents due to unsettled bills of the patient, forcing those involved to find another person to replace them in the hospital before they are allowed to leave its premises—a scheme known as “palit-ulo”. Lee filed House Resolution No. 1674 after the reported complaints against ACE (Allied Care Experts) Medical Center, which allegedly held in detention the relatives of deceased patients and refused to provide death certificate, unless replaced by another person or until their hospital dues were settled. “Pinupuntahan ang mga hospital para ipagamot, hindi para ikulong, ang mga pasyente at mga kaanak nila. Demonyo ang gumagawa ng krimeng ito; sila na dumadagdag pa sa pasanin at pagdurusa ng mga pasyente at kanilang pamilya,” he asked. “Eh kung sila kaya ang ikulong, habang nangangamba sa kalusugan ng kaanak, o habang nagluluksa sa pagkamatay ng kapamilya?” “Pagamutan, hindi piitan. Pakikipagkapwa-tao, hindi negosyo. Malasakit at hindi pasakit sana ang pairalin ng ating mga ospital,” Lee stated. In the said Resolution, Lee recounted the experiences of reported “palit-ulo” victims in the said hospital, such as Richel Mae Alvaro who was barred from leaving its premises due to her husband’s unsettled bill. Alvaro was still under illegal detention even after the remains of her husband were already taken out of the hospital. Lovery Magtangob, on the other hand, was allegedly asked to stay at the Office of Safety Officer while waiting for her brother to settle the bill of their relative. Magtangob said she was released only after paying a partial payment of their unsettled bill. According to the Bicolano lawmaker, hospitals that practice “palit-ulo” scheme are criminally liable for Serious Illegal Detention and Slight Illegal Detention under the Revised Penal Code. “Acquiring unsettled hospital bills is not a criminal offense under our laws, and the same is also not an ailment requiring compulsory confinement of the patient in a hospital. Kaya tigilan na itong kawalanghiyaan, karumal-dumal, at ilegal na gawaing ito!” Lee said. Through HR 1674, Lee underscored the importance of identifying any loopholes in the existing policies regarding the rights of patients, their relatives, and visitors, and the rights of hospitals and medical clinics over unsettled bills of patients, as well as exacting accountability to those who are involved in the illegal detention. The solon also pointed out that the “palit-ulo” scheme is proof that there is an alarming gap and perennial problems in our healthcare system that needs to be addressed with appropriate measures. “Hindi na nga po nakapagtataka kung bakit pangunahin sa mga pangamba ng ating mga kababayan ang pagkakasakit, kung saan marami ang namamatay nang hindi man lang nakapagpapatingin sa doktor o ospital; o pinipili na lang maratay sa bahay sa kabila ng mabigat na karamdaman,” Lee said. “Lahat tayo, may karapatang mabuhay. Mayaman man o mahirap, dapat pinagkakalooban ng estado ng de-kalidad, abot-kaya, at may pusong serbisyong pangkalusugan. Nasaan ang hustisya kung sa kagustuhan mong magpagamot at mabuhay, ikukulong ka pa o ang iyong mga kapamilya?” he lamented. Lee, a staunch health advocate, persistently pushed for the 30% increase in Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) benefits which took effect on February 14. The solon also advocated for unlimited coverage for dialysis, cancer treatment, heart bypass surgery, and other diagnostic tests and preventive measures, as well as the effective implementation of the No Balance Billing policy so that patients and their families won’t be burdened by high medical expenses. “Winner Tayo Lahat kung nandyan ang Estado para bawasan ang alalahanin ng mamamayan ukol sa kanilang trabaho, kita, pagkain, lalong-lalo na sa kanilang kalusugan,” he said. “Panalo ang sambayanan kung lahat ng ospital, hindi lang nagpapagaling o nagbibigay ng lunas sa karamdaman, kundi tunay ring kumakalinga at umuunawa sa kalagayan ng mga pasyente at ng kanilang mga mahal sa buhay,” Lee stressed. Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts 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 05 Nov 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee Welcomes Inclusion of Free Eyeglasses in PhilHealth Benefits Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
With Over 40M Filipinos In Need Of Eye And Vision Care, Lee Urges PhilHealth To Cover Optometric Services
With Over 40M Filipinos In Need Of Eye And Vision Care, Lee Urges PhilHealth To Cover Optometric Services AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee urged the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to include optometric services in the benefit coverage for its members and beneficiaries, stressing the importance of optometric interventions in preventing vision loss and improving the quality of life of millions of Filipinos. Speaking at the 7th Annual Conference of the Philippine Society of Public Health and Occupational Optometry (PSPHOO) held on March 16, Lee said: “While vision problems can be easily corrected with glasses or contacts, many Filipinos lack access to affordable eye care, affecting their productivity.” “Maraming bata ang pagkapanganak pa lang, may problema na sa mata, at milyon-milyon nating mga kababayan ang talagang apektado ang pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay dahil sa pagkabulag o malabong paningin,” the solon said. “If we’re talking about productivity, if we’re talking about food security, we should also be addressing the eye problems of our countrymen, and consider this as a primary healthcare issue,” he added. According to the Integrated Philippine Association of Optometrists (IPAO), around 41.4 million of Filipinos need continuing eye and vision care, which include the number of the population with presbyopia and refractive errors. The Bicolano lawmaker stressed that unaddressed vision impairment has severe consequences which range from delayed development in chidren to social isolation, depression, and economic hardship in adults. Given the alarming number of Filipinos experiencing vision problems and blindness, Lee filed House Resolution No. 1623 urging the state health insurer to include optometric services under the benefit packages of PhilHealth. “Inclusion of these services under PhilHealth would make essential eye care affordable and accessible for Filipinos, allowing early detection and treatment of eye conditions,” the solon pointed out in the House Resolution. “It is crucial for the government to make efforts to increase the accessibility of optometrists’ services across the nation by utilizing mobile clinics, telemedicine, and community outreach initiatives, especially in isolated places through the support of PhilHealth,” he added. Lee revealed that he wrote and already had initial discussions with PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer (PCEO) Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. regarding the matter, noting that “while PhilHealth covers various opthalmology services like eye surgery, consultations, and screening for certain eye problems, it excludes optometry services, which can detect vision impairment, encompassing conditions like refractive errors and affecting people’s lives.” “Clearly, timely eye care, with the help of PhilHealth, can mitigate the detrimental impact of vision impairment. Hindi natin ito tatantanan hangga’t hindi pa inaprubahan ng PhilHealth,” the lawmaker said. “Winner Tayo Lahat kung accessible, abot-kaya at maagap ang pagtugon sa problema sa mata ng milyon-milyong Pilipino. Hindi lang nito mababawasan ang pangamba ng ating mga kababayan sa pagkakasakit sa mata at kawalan ng pantustos para maipagamot ito. Hindi lang ito magdudulot ng malinaw na paningin, kundi pati na rin ng maliwanag na kinabukasan para sa ating mga kababayan,” he added. Public Health Initiatives Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts 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 05 Nov 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee Welcomes Inclusion of Free Eyeglasses in PhilHealth Benefits Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
‘FINALLY!’ 30% INCREASE ON PHILHEALTH BENEFITS LEE PUSHED FOR TO BE IMPLEMENTED
‘Finally!’ 30% Increase On PhilHealth Benefits Lee Pushed For To Be Implemented “Sa wakas, yung ipinaglalaban natin na 30% increase sa PhilHealth benefits, aprubado na.” This was the statement of AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee as he welcomed the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Board of Director’s (BOD) approval on Wednesday of the 30% increase on the benefits it offers to allay fears of Filipinos of getting sick because they cannot afford medical treatment or hospital expenses. “We thank the PhilHealth’s Board of Directors and its Executive Committee, led by BOD Chairman Sec. Teodoro Herbosa and PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr., for heeding our relentless call to implement the 30% increase on its health packages and coverage,” said the legislator. “Malaking tulong ang dagdag na suportang ito ng PhilHealth sa pagpapagamot o pagpapa-ospital ng milyon-milyong Pilipino.” In his letter addressed to Ledesma and his filed House Resolution No. 1407, Lee urged the PhilHealth management to implement a 30% increase in all its benefit packages and coverage. According to the Bicolano lawmaker, it is high time that the PhilHealth update its coverage since its case rate has not been updated for over a decade and is no longer responsive to the hospitalization cost of the beneficiaries. “Dahil sa inflation, nagtaasan na lahat ng presyo—pagkain, tubig, petrolyo, gamot, pati mga bayad sa serbisyo, kasama ang pagpapa-ospital. Kaya dapat lang na mag-adjust na ang PhilHealth sa sinasagot nitong mga bayarin para mas makatulong sa mga miyembro,” Lee said. Lee stressed that “kapag nagkasakit, marami ang hindi nakakapagtrabaho, walang kita, nagagalaw ang budget para sa ibang pangangailangan, nauubos ang ipon at nalulubog sa utang. Kaya bukod sa sakit, lalo pang sumasama ang pakiramdam ng marami sa atin dahil sa mga dagdag na gastusin.” It can be recalled that upon Lee’s questioning during the deliberation of the proposed 2024 budget of the Department of Health on September 2023, it was revealed that PhilHealth had P466 billion worth of investible funds and P68.4 billion net income. According to Lee, “Amid these challenging times, we need a more accessible, compassionate and affordable health care for all Filipinos. Malaki ang papel dito ng PhilHealth. They should ensure that the funds it yielded from its investments and income must be returned to its contributors and beneficiaries in a form of its expanded benefit packages and coverage.” The lawmaker also urged PhilHealth to remove the limit and fully cover dialysis sessions, cancer treatment, heart bypass surgery, and other diagnostic tests and preventive measures, as well as the effective implementation of the No Balance Billing policy to lessen the out-of-pocket medical expenses of patients and their families. “Winner Tayo Lahat sa 30% increase na ito sa PhilHealth coverage. Patuloy nating tututukan ang maayos na implementasyon nito, hanggang maabot ang pangarap natin na anuman ang estado sa lipunan, mayaman man o mahirap, walang takot o pangamba tayong makapagpapagamot dahil wala na o konti na lang ang babayaran dahil sa tulong ng PhilHealth.” Healthcare Policy Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts 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 05 Nov 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee Welcomes Inclusion of Free Eyeglasses in PhilHealth Benefits Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Implementing increase in all PhilHealth benefits, injustice to millions: ‘Filipinos deserve better!’ – Lee
Delay in implementing increase in all PhilHealth benefits, injustice to millions: ‘Filipinos deserve better!’ – Lee Amid the impending five (5%) increase in Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) premium rates this year as scheduled under the Universal Health Care (UHC) law, AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee reiterated his call to immediately apply the 30% across-the-board increase in the agency’s offered health benefits, saying that any delay in implementing the increase is an injustice to Filipinos. “Nalulungkot at nadidismaya po tayo na mukhang mauuna pang maipatupad ang dagdag na singil sa premium ng PhilHealth doon sa matagal na nating panawagan na 30% increase sa lahat ng benefit packages and coverage ng ahensya,” Lee said. “Habang pinatatagal ang pagpapatupad ng hinihingi nating increase, marami ang pinipiling tiisin na lang ang karamdaman kaysa magpagamot at marami din ang di-magkandaugaga sa pag-aalala kung saan kukuha ng pambayad sa ospital,” he added. PhilHealth on Friday announced that its premium rate will increase to 5% from the previous 4%. The state health insurer said that P17-B will be collected as an additional revenue of the agency due to the increased premium rates to be used in expanding the benefits and programs it offers to members. Even before the scheduled increase on PhilHealth premium rates, Lee has consistently and persistently stressed that the agency had the funds to cover much-needed increases in members’ benefits. It can be recalled that in September last year during the DOH budget briefing, Lee revealed that PhilHealth had P466-B worth of investible funds and P68.4-B net income. Given these available funds, he urged the agency to expand its healthcare package offered to our countrymen. In a letter addressed to PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. on October 2023, Lee formally requested in writing and recommended to the PhilHealth management a 30% increase in all benefit packages and coverage provided by the Corporation. According to the lawmaker from Bicol, “Anong pakinabang ng sobra-sobrang pondo sa PhilHealth kung natutulog lang ito sa bangko at hindi nagagamit pandagdag sa serbisyo para sa mga miyembro? Malaking kasalanan at inhustisya ito kung hindi agad gamitin para tulungan at pagaanin ang pasanin ng mga nangangailangan.” Lee also filed House Resolution No. 1407 on October 2023 urging the PhilHealth to adjust its coverage since its case rate has not been reviewed for over a decade and is no longer responsive to the hospitalization cost of the beneficiaries. Lee stated that “Dahil sa inflation, umaaray ang lahat sa nagtaasang presyo ng mga bilihin at serbisyo. For example, room rates in hospitals have increased—ang dating P1,000, nasa P1,500 na. At itong case rates o basehan kung gaano kalaki ang sinasagot ng PhilHealth sa mga bayarin sa pagpapagamot ng iba’t ibang sakit, 11 na taon na itong hindi narereview kung angkop at sapat pa ba ang naitutulong. Malaking bagay kung maitataas natin ng 30% ang sinasagot ng PhilHealth in all packages and benefits.” The lawmaker also said that PhilHealth should have no limit on its covered dialysis sessions, chemotherapy, heart bypass surgery, and other diagnostic tests and preventive measures to ease the burden of patients and their families. “It is inevitable that our countrymen worry about getting sick because of the high costs of quality medical care. Kung ang mayayaman nga naba-bankrupt ‘pag tinamaan ng malubhang sakit, paano pa ang mahihirap nating kababayan?” the solon asked. “Winner Tayo Lahat kung ang PhilHealth ay hindi umaastang isang state investment company, at kung tutuparin nito ang mandatong maging maaasahan, may puso at may malasakit na health insurance provider,” he added. Healthcare Policy Next Post Latest Posts 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 05 Nov 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee Welcomes Inclusion of Free Eyeglasses in PhilHealth Benefits Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News