Increase benefit packages, PhilHealth urged

MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker wants the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to expand its benefit packages as a Christmas gift to Filipinos.

AGRI party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee called on board members of PhilHealth to approve a proposal to increase its benefit packages from 10 percent to 30 percent.

Members of the PhilHealth board of directors are set to convene on Dec. 14 to discuss key matters.

“This Christmas, let us give our citizens some peace of mind. Let’s gift them with the assurance that, if their health falters, PhilHealth will be there to shoulder the cost,” Lee said.

The lawmaker previously filed House Resolution 1407, urging PhilHealth to update and increase its coverage to 30 percent since its case rate is no longer responsive to the hospitalization cost of beneficiaries.

During a House hearing last week, PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. reported that the agency is currently working on increasing the benefit packages across the board, anywhere from 10 to 30 percent.

The proposal has passed the executive committee, but still needs approval of the PhilHealth board.

Lee also welcomed the efforts of PhilHealth to settle its debts with hospitals. From August to November 2023, PhilHealth settled debts amounting to P31 billion.