By Nimfa Estrellado PhilHealth Calabarzon Officials with media practitioners during the Kapihan sa PIA Quezon event on February 21, 2024 at ...
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| PhilHealth Calabarzon Officials with media practitioners during the Kapihan sa PIA Quezon event on February 21, 2024 at Pacific Mall Lucena. (Photo from Celine Tutor) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon - To mark its 29th anniversary, PhilHealth Calabarzon was invited to Kapihan sa PIA Quezon in February. The event aimed to inform the public about PhilHealth's latest updates, programs, and initiatives for providing accessible and affordable healthcare.
Dr. Danilo Reynes, Regional Vice President PRO IV-A; Mr. Arturo Ardiente, PRO BAC Vice-Chairperson; and Dr. Maria Theresa Liwanag were the featured guests. They clarified the extended benefits and increased contributions mandated by Republic Act 11223.
The officials emphasized that the qualified contribution has been raised to a maximum of 5% in 2024, a change from earlier pandemic-era rates. They stressed that PhilHealth is required to follow legislative implementation and that changes to contribution amounts can only occur through further legislative action.
Ardiente explained lifetime membership mandates, noting that those who haven't reached retirement age by 60 must continue to pay unless certified as having an incapacity to pay by a social worker.
Benefits and Universal Health Care
The previously discussed 50% coverage proposal is not yet PhilHealth policy, as clarified by Dr. Liwanag. She explained that benefits are disease-specific, using a case rate system. PhilHealth benefits fall under the Universal Health Care Act (UHC), which aims to provide healthcare access to all Filipinos. These benefits include inpatient, outpatient, and "Z benefits" for serious, long-term conditions.
In support of UHC, PhilHealth has increased funding for its Konsulta Package, providing basic consultations, health screening, and select medications in accredited facilities. Mr. Ardiente elaborated on the goals of UHC, which include coverage for all Filipinos, expanded services, and increased financial coverage by the government to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Expanded Benefits and Access
The officials highlighted that many PhilHealth benefits have seen a 30% increase in case rates, including high-risk pneumonia. They encouraged the public to visit www.philhealth.gov.ph or use the PhilHealth My Member Portal to learn more and verify contributions.
In 2023, 97% of the Calabarzon population will be registered with PhilHealth. While the Konsulta Package was previously limited in the region, it's now offered in numerous facilities across Laguna, Cavite, and Quezon (64 of which are in Quezon province).
Dr. Reynes concluded by stressing the importance of premium contributions to expanding and improving health services for all Filipinos. He also highlighted the need for increased awareness and utilization of PhilHealth benefits to ensure access to quality healthcare for everyone in the region.
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