GIVEN the resources currently available to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), it should be able to fully cover the number of dialysis sessions for its members as well as implement a 20% to 30% across-the-board increase in member benefits.
AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee said that PhilHealth should have no limit on its covered dialysis sessions from the current 156 dialysis sessions.
“Bukod sa dialysis, napapanahon na ring taasan o gawin na wala na ring limit sa sinasagot ng PhilHealth sa chemotherapy, heart bypass surgery at iba pang mga kinakailangang treatment sa mabibigat na karamdaman, pati na sa mga diagnostic tests and preventive measures, para mapagaan ang pasanin ng pasyente at ng kanilang pamilya,” said the solon.
In a television interview, the Bicolano lawmaker reiterated that the case rates of PhilHealth need to be reviewed as it has not been adjusted to account for inflation and rising health care costs.
“With inflation, room rates in hospitals have increased… At itong case rates o basehan kung gaano kalaki ang sinasagot ng PhilHealth sa mga bayarin, hindi pa ito narereview nang mahigit 10 o 11 taon. So there’s really a need to adjust this,” explained Lee, who wrote the PhilHealth leadership in October to recommend a 20% to 30% increase in its case rates.
The former businessman added that with the existing funds of PhilHealth, “they can very well afford to adjust the 20% to 30% increase across the board… All packages, all benefits.”
Lee acknowledged that PhilHealth had already approved increases for medical treatments including ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and pneumonia. However, “increases in all other benefits should also be implemented,” said the solon.
“Isa sa ikinakatakot ng ating mga kababayan ay magkasakit. Bakit? Because they are afraid that if they get sick, they cannot afford proper medical health care, or that if they get quality medical treatments, it will bankrupt their families,” lamented Lee.
“Bukod dito, yung mismong nagkasakit, di na makakatrabaho, they can no longer earn. So double black eye ito. Winner Tayo Lahat when PhilHealth increases their medical benefits, as we can assure our countrymen that they will be cared for when they get sick.”
