Senator Mark Villar has called on the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to strengthen its policies, improve accountability mechanisms, and enhance the delivery of benefits to ensure that no Filipino is denied access to healthcare assistance when they need it most.
Villar issued the call following a viral case involving a widow who alleged that her family was unable to claim PhilHealth benefits after her husband, a long-time contributing member, was denied coverage due to the agency’s 24-hour confinement requirement.
The incident has sparked public outrage and renewed calls to review existing policies and their implementation.
“May Universal Health Care Law na tayo. Ang direksyon ng ating healthcare system ay dapat nakatuon sa mas malawak na access at mas mabilis na serbisyo, hindi sa mga patakarang nagdudulot ng kalituhan at pangamba sa mga miyembro,” the legislator said.
“Walang pamilyang dapat mabigla na hindi nila magagamit ang benepisyong matagal nilang pinaghirapan dahil lamang sa teknikalidad.”
“Walang pamilyang dapat mabigla na hindi nila magagamit ang benepisyong matagal nilang pinaghirapan dahil lamang sa teknikalidad,” the lawmaker added.
The senator also urged PhilHealth to undertake a comprehensive review of its claims processing system including the revocation of the 24 hour confinement policy as well as strengthening public information and education campaigns, and ensuring that members are clearly guided on the benefits and services due to them.
According to him, these reforms are necessary to prevent confusion, minimize delays, and ensure that the principles of the Universal Health Care Law are fully realized through an efficient, transparent, and member-centered healthcare delivery system of Philhealth.
“Nararapat lamang na magkaroon sila ng kumpiyansa na may institusyong handang umalalay sa kanila sa oras ng pangangailangang medical.”
“Bawat kontribusyong ibinabayad sa PhilHealth ay pinaghirapan ng ating mga kababayan. Nararapat lamang na magkaroon sila ng kumpiyansa na may institusyong handang umalalay sa kanila sa oras ng pangangailangang medical,” Villar stressed.
“Ang layunin ng PhilHealth ay protektahan ang mga Pilipino, at ito ay dapat na nakikita hindi lamang sa mga polisiya kundi sa aktwal na karanasan ng bawat miyembro,” he concluded.
