AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee on Wednesday reiterated the need for the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to increase the coverage it offers its members as he stressed that the agency had the funds to cover much-needed increases in members’ benefits.
According to the Bicolano lawmaker, “PhilHealth is in a position to provide a 20 percent to 30 percent across-the-board increase of its offered health benefits.”
In a letter addressed to PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. dated 23 October 2023, Lee said that “given the enormous funds that are still in PhilHealth’s investment
platforms and its partner banks, I would like to formally request in writing and recommend to the PhilHealth management a 20 percent-30percent increase in all benefit packages and coverage provided by the Corporation.”
Lee explained in the letter that “PhilHealth’s case rate must be updated as it is no longer responsive to the hospitalization cost of the beneficiaries.”
“As I previously pointed out, while we recognize the mandate of the PhilHealth to invest its income for its corporate survival, a more responsive and impactful health insurance program and the welfare of its contributors and beneficiaries are far more important and must be prioritized by PhilHealth,” added the legislator in his letter.
Lee emphasized that at a time when the price of goods is constantly increasing, the additional benefits will be a great help to the people.
Lee assured the public that he would continue to look for ways to improve the country’s healthcare system and make it more responsive to the needs of Filipinos.