PhilHealth’s benefit package case rates up

Transcript

00:00State health insurer PhilHealth touts its 30% surge in nearly all its benefits packages this year

00:06for members, even as it mulls yet another set of hikes going forward.

00:11On the other hand, the terribly slow processing of doctors' payments was also assailed,

00:16along with the status of half a trillion in cash reserves sitting idly,

00:20which could be utilized for greater coverage and added services

00:24that our Joshua Garcia details in this report.

00:27As the case rates in PhilHealth's benefit packages continue to rise,

00:32they are also studying a new 30% increase before the end of the year

00:37while further improving and expanding services.

00:57However, during the Senate Committee on Health and Demography's joint hearing

01:03with the Finance Committee, they discussed the alleged complaints

01:06from doctors about delayed payments due to terribly slow processing of claims.

01:26The P500B IDLE fund of PhilHealth, which is set to be transferred to the National Treasury,

01:42was also questioned. It was asked why this amount is not being used

01:46as a reserve fund to assist members in need.

01:57As a result, many continue to rely on other agencies like the DOH and DSWD.

02:23There are also discussions about amending the Universal Health Care Act

02:26to lower the yield of premium contributions due to PhilHealth's excess funds.

02:30The Health Emergency Assistance, or HEA, for healthcare workers that kicks in this October

02:54was also scrutinized. Additionally, there was a focus on ensuring the Universal Health Care Law

02:59guarantees equal access to affordable health services for all Filipino citizens.