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Lee to DOH, PhilHealth: Prioritize Healthcare Payments of Indigent Patients, Simplify Processes

Lee to DOH, PhilHealth: Prioritize Healthcare Payments of Indigent Patients, Simplify Processes Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has urged the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth to take decisive action to address the unpaid hospital bills of indigent patients and streamline claim requirements to remove barriers to healthcare access. Lee filed House Resolution No. 2104, highlighting how unpaid bills and bureaucratic delays deprive millions of Filipinos of life-saving medical care. “Hospitals are owed payments, and patients are left to suffer. This is unacceptable under the Universal Health Care Act,” Lee asserted. The solon also stressed that complex requirements disproportionately affect indigent patients, who often lack the resources to navigate administrative processes. “Simplify the system and make it work for the people who need it most. Tulungan natin sila, imbes na pahirapan,” he said. Lee continues to champion reforms to expand health services, including free diagnostic tests and cancer treatment coverage. He remains steadfast in his vision: “Ang gamot at pagpapagamot, dapat libre na, dapat sagot na ng gobyerno. Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko!” #HealthcareReforms #UniversalHealthCare #WiseAdvocacy Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 06 Dec 2024 Lee to DOH, PhilHealth: Prioritize Healthcare Payments of Indigent Patients, Simplify Processes 05 Dec 2024 Lee Calls for Streamlined PhilHealth Requirements to Aid Indigent Patients 04 Dec 2024 Lee Urges DOH and PhilHealth to Pay Indigent Patients’ Unpaid Hospital Bills Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News

Lee Calls for Streamlined PhilHealth Requirements to Aid Indigent Patients

Lee Calls for Streamlined PhilHealth Requirements to Aid Indigent Patients Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has filed House Resolution No. 2104, urging the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth to simplify and liberalize their requirements for hospital claims. He emphasized that current administrative hurdles delay payments to hospitals, denying indigent patients the medical care they need. Lee noted that the Universal Health Care Act, enacted in 2019, mandates accessible and comprehensive health services for all. However, its implementation remains inadequate. “Patients already dealing with illness shouldn’t have to face the added burden of navigating a complicated system to access care,” he remarked. The Bicolano lawmaker also highlighted his success in increasing PhilHealth benefits earlier this year, such as raising hemodialysis coverage from P2,600 to P6,350 per session and expanding breast cancer treatment coverage to P1.4 million. “We’ve made progress, but there’s much more to do. Simplifying these processes is the next critical step,” Lee said. Lee called on DOH and PhilHealth to ensure prompt payments to hospitals, emphasizing the importance of removing barriers to healthcare access. “Let’s make healthcare truly universal,” he concluded. #HealthcareAccess #GamotMoSagotKo #WiseMoves Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 05 Dec 2024 Lee Calls for Streamlined PhilHealth Requirements to Aid Indigent Patients 04 Dec 2024 Lee Urges DOH and PhilHealth to Pay Indigent Patients’ Unpaid Hospital Bills 03 Dec 2024 Lee To DOH, PhilHealth: Cover Unpaid Hospital Bills Of Indigent Patients, Streamline Requirements For Claims Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News

Lee To DOH, PhilHealth: Cover Unpaid Hospital Bills Of Indigent Patients, Streamline Requirements For Claims

Lee To DOH, PhilHealth: Cover Unpaid Hospital Bills Of Indigent Patients, Streamline Requirements For Claims Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee called on the Department of Health (DOH) and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to pay for the unpaid bills of indigent and financially incapacitated patients in private and public hospitals which often result in delayed treatment and denial of care. In filing House Resolution No. 2104, Lee stressed the importance of the effective implementation of Republic Act No. 11223 or the “Universal Health Care Act” which mandates the said agencies to enforce comprehensive health services for all Filipinos. “The UHC Act, signed into law in 2019, guarantees that all Filipinos will have access to comprehensive health services, including outpatient services and specialty care. Several years have passed since this was enacted but Filipinos, especially the indigents, remain burdened with lack of hospital care,” Lee lamented. The Bicolano lawmaker underscored that DOH and PhilHealth need to address the tedious administrative and documentation requirement for claims which remains to be a major obstacle for hospitals and patients, especially for indigent individuals who may not have the necessary means, knowledge, or support to navigate complex processes promptly. “Simplify, streamline, and liberalize the requirements for hospitals and patients. Pagaanin natin ang pasanin ng mga pasyente at kanilang pamilya na nag-aalala na nga sa sakit ay problemado pa sa gastusin sa gamot at pagpapagamot,” Lee said. “Tulungan natin sila, imbes na pahirapan!” he added. A staunch health advocate, Lee is the driving force to increase PhilHealth benefits by 30% which was implemented last February 14. PhilHealth’s benefit package for hemodialysis was also expanded from P2,600 to P6,350 per session and from 90 sessions per year to 156 sessions annually, as well as for the breast cancer treatment coverage which increased from P100,000 to P1.4 million. Currently, Lee persistently pushes for other commitments he sealed from DOH and PhilHealth in expanding health services such as free eye checkup, free eyeglasses and another 50% increase in PhilHealth benefits, free diagnostic tests such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan, Computed Tomography (CT) scan and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as part of outpatient services and at least 80% coverage for cancer treatments and heart procedures. “Tanggalin kung ano ang mga balakid sa pagpapabilis ng pagbabayad ng DOH at PhilHealth sa mga ospital para mapabilis ang pagkakaloob ng mga benepisyo. Habang di nababayaran ang mga ospital, milyon-milyong nating mga kababayan ang maaaring napagkakaitan ng mga serbisyong pangkalusugan,” Lee stressed. “Ang gobyerno, hindi dapat pabigat sa taumbayan. Wala na dapat mga Pilipino ang magmamakaawa sa mga ahensya o nasa katungkulan kapag may kailangan, yung halos lumuhod pa para matulungan sa pagbili ng gamot at pagpapagamot.” “Ang gamot at pagpapagamot, dapat libre na, dapat sagot na ng gobyerno. Ang ipinaglalaban natin: Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko!” he added.  Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 03 Dec 2024 Lee To DOH, PhilHealth: Cover Unpaid Hospital Bills Of Indigent Patients, Streamline Requirements For Claims 01 Dec 2024 Lee Demands Accountability from DOH Over Healthcare Failures 30 Nov 2024 Lee Slams DOH Chief for Failing to Deliver Healthcare Commitments Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News

Lee Demands Accountability from DOH Over Healthcare Failures

Lee Demands Accountability from DOH Over Healthcare Failures Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has demanded the resignation of Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, citing unfulfilled promises that jeopardize the health of millions of Filipinos. Through House Resolution No. 2090, Lee outlined the Department of Health’s failure, under the leadership of Herbosa, including missing deadlines for critical reforms such as increasing PhilHealth benefits and submitting plans to lower healthcare costs. “The DOH and Secretary Herbosa’s failure to deliver these commitments is a betrayal of trust—not just to Congress, but to the Filipino people who deserve better healthcare,” Lee said. He also highlighted how the delays contradict Herbosa’s signed commitments, made during budget deliberations, to improve access to medicines, vaccines, and diagnostic services. Lee has been instrumental in securing significant healthcare wins, including a 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits implemented earlier this year. However, he warned that continued delays in implementing further reforms will only harm Filipinos. “Every day these promises are delayed, more lives are put at risk,” he said. The solon urged the government to prioritize healthcare and find leadership that can fulfill its promises. “Healthcare is a right, not a privilege. It’s time for decisive action and accountability,” Lee concluded. #HealthcareForFilipinos #WiseLeadership #GamotMoSagotKo Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Previous Post Latest Posts 28 Nov 2024 Lee Champions Medicine Bank to Address Public Hospital Shortages 27 Nov 2024 DOH Chief Must Resign Due To Undelivered Commitments – Lee 26 Nov 2024 National Medicine Bank: Lee’s Vision for Better Healthcare Access Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News

Lee Slams DOH Chief for Failing to Deliver Healthcare Commitments

Lee Slams DOH Chief for Failing to Deliver Healthcare Commitments Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has reiterated his call for the resignation of DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa over his failure to fulfill healthcare promises. These commitments, signed by Herbosa and PhilHealth CEO Emmanuel Ledesma Jr., were meant to improve the country’s healthcare system but have faced significant delays. The unfulfilled promises include free diagnostic tests like PET, CT, and MRI scans, 80% coverage for cancer treatments and increase of PhilHealth benefits by 50%. Herbosa also failed to submit a plan to reduce medical costs, which was due last month, and implement the 50% increase in PhilHealth benefits. Lee expressed frustration with Herbosa’s lack of professionalism, stating, “If the DOH cannot even respond to Congress, how can they effectively lead the country’s healthcare system?” The solon warned, highlighting that millions of Filipinos are being let down by these delays, which worsen their health and financial struggles. As a staunch advocate for Universal Health Care in the country, Lee emphasized the need for leadership that delivers results. “If Secretary Herbosa cannot fulfill his duties, it’s time to find someone who can,” he said. #HealthcareAccountability #UniversalHealthCare #WiseMoves Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Previous Post Latest Posts 28 Nov 2024 Lee Champions Medicine Bank to Address Public Hospital Shortages 27 Nov 2024 DOH Chief Must Resign Due To Undelivered Commitments – Lee 26 Nov 2024 National Medicine Bank: Lee’s Vision for Better Healthcare Access Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News STRICTER IMPLEMENTATION OF LAWS NEEDED TO BOOST ACCESS TO CHEAPER MEDICINES – LEE

Lee Calls for Health Secretary’s Resignation Over Unfulfilled Promises

Lee Calls for Health Secretary’s Resignation Over Unfulfilled Promises Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has called for the resignation of Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Ted Herbosa, citing his failure to deliver on crucial healthcare commitments. Lee filed House Resolution No. 2090, formally demanding accountability for Herbosa’s unfulfilled promises made during the House deliberations on the 2025 DOH budget. Among the lapses noted was the failure to submit a comprehensive plan to lower out-of-pocket medical expenses, which was due last October 31, 2024. Herbosa also missed the implementation of a 50% across-the-board PhilHealth benefits increase, expected to take effect this November. Lee accused the DOH of undermining Congress and the Filipino people by failing to respond to follow-up letters regarding these commitments. “Sec. Herbosa has misled millions of Filipinos with empty promises. If he cannot fulfill these commitments, he must step down,” Lee declared. He also criticized the DOH for violating the Anti-Red Tape Authority’s (ARTA) policy on timely responses to government transactions. Lee vowed to continue pushing for leadership that prioritizes healthcare reforms, saying, “The health and well-being of Filipinos must not suffer due to ineffective leadership.” #HealthReforms #AccountabilityNow #WiseLeadership Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Previous Post Latest Posts 28 Nov 2024 Lee Champions Medicine Bank to Address Public Hospital Shortages 27 Nov 2024 DOH Chief Must Resign Due To Undelivered Commitments – Lee 26 Nov 2024 National Medicine Bank: Lee’s Vision for Better Healthcare Access Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News

National Medicine Bank: Lee’s Vision for Better Healthcare Access

National Medicine Bank: Lee’s Vision for Better Healthcare Access Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee is advocating for the creation of a National Medicine Bank through House Bill No. 11082 to bridge the gap in healthcare access for marginalized Filipinos. This measure aims to collect and store donated pharmaceuticals and distribute them to community health centers and government hospitals nationwide. Lee expressed frustration over persistent supply chain issues during the deliberations of the 2025 DOH Budget. “Bilyon-bilyong piso ang pondo para sa gamot, pero bakit laging problema ang kawalan ng gamot sa mga public hospitals?” he questioned, highlighting the need for systemic reform. The Medicine Bank would serve as a centralized hub for prescription and over-the-counter drugs, reducing the financial strain on Filipinos who often have to travel long distances or pay exorbitant prices for essential medicines. “Gusto natin na mabawasan ang pangamba ng bawat Pilipino. Ang gamot at pagpapagamot, dapat sagot na ng gobyerno,” Lee asserted. This initiative aligns with Lee’s ongoing health advocacy, complementing his success in securing increased PhilHealth benefits and other healthcare reforms for the Filipino people. #HealthcareForAll #GamotMoSagotKo #WiseAdvocacy Healthcare Access and Equity Previous Post Latest Posts 23 Nov 2024 Lee’s Free Vaccination Bill for Seniors Aligns with Universal Health Care Goals 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 Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News

Lee Proposes Creation of National Medicine Bank to Aid Vulnerable Filipinos

Lee Proposes Creation of National Medicine Bank to Aid Vulnerable Filipinos Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has filed House Bill No. 11082, also known as the “Medicine Bank Act,” to establish a National Medicine Bank aimed at providing vulnerable sectors with access to essential medicines and healthcare supplies. This proposed measure seeks to efficiently collect and distribute donated pharmaceuticals to community health centers and government facilities. Lee emphasized the importance of this initiative while speaking at the 50th Anniversary of the Integrated Philippine Association of Optometrists Inc. (IPAO). “Kapag naisabatas ito, hindi na magiging pahirapan para sa ating mga kababayan ang access sa gamot, lalo na sa panahon ng kalamidad,” Lee said. Under the proposed measure, the Department of Health (DOH) will oversee the inventory and proper storage of donated items, ensuring these resources are utilized effectively and waste is minimized. “This is about responsible management of excess medical resources, turning waste into life-saving aid for those who need it most,” Lee added. The solon’s proposal is part of his broader advocacy for accessible healthcare, addressing long-standing issues in public hospital supply chains that have left many Filipinos struggling to afford or access medication. #MedicineBankPH #HealthForAll #WiseLeadership Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 23 Nov 2024 Lee’s Free Vaccination Bill for Seniors Aligns with Universal Health Care Goals 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 Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News

Lee’s Free Vaccination Bill for Seniors Aligns with Universal Health Care Goals

Lee’s Free Vaccination Bill for Seniors Aligns with Universal Health Care Goals Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee continues his health advocacy by filing a measure to provide free vaccines for all senior citizens, a step he believes will strengthen the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act’s promise of accessible healthcare for all. House Bill No. 11055 proposes to amend the Expanded Senior Citizens Act to expand free immunization coverage to all seniors. “Vaccines are crucial in preventing severe illnesses among older adults, whose immune systems weaken with age,” Lee said. The measure includes vaccines for influenza, pneumococcal disease, pertussis, tetanus, diphtheria, and other diseases identified by the DOH. This initiative complements Lee’s ongoing efforts to monitor the commitments of the DOH and PhilHealth, including free diagnostic scans, 80% cancer treatment coverage, and the 50% increase in PhilHealth benefits set for implementation this November. “Public funds must be used for public health, especially for vulnerable sectors like our senior citizens,” Lee asserted. Lee’s advocacy has already achieved significant milestones, such as the 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits earlier this year. He remains firm in his commitment: “Health should not be a privilege; it is a right. I will continue to fight for healthcare services that every Filipino, especially our elderly, truly deserves.” ##HealthForSeniors #VaccinesSaveLives #WiseAdvocacy Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 23 Nov 2024 Lee’s Free Vaccination Bill for Seniors Aligns with Universal Health Care Goals 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 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