MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) has urged the public to report any incident of health care providers declaring minor respiratory symptoms as COVID-19 case for higher benefit reimbursements.
According to PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Dante Gieran, there are reports of “claim manipulation” being committed by health care providers with the intention of collecting higher reimbursements from the state insurer.
He urged the public to help PhilHealth investigate by providing evidence.
“We call on the public to cooperate with us to immediately curtail these wrongdoings. We should protect the national health insurance fund, because it is a public fund, it is your money,” he said.
PhilHealth assures whistleblowers of protection and complete confidentiality of reports as provided for by law.
Gierran emphasized he would not tolerate deceitful practices by some providers who take advantage of uncertainties brought about by the pandemic.
“PhilHealth shall not hesitate to use the full force of the law to those caught engaging in these illegal practices,” he added.