Disheartening PhilHealth subsidy cuts

Dear Editor,

This year has truly been a roller coaster ride, not just in my personal life but for the entire nation and even the world. We faced numerous challenges and controversies, one involving the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

For months, I have been reading headlines about PhilHealth, often painting it in a less-than-favorable light. One of the major issues was the revelation of an unused P89.9 billion subsidy, which was redirected to fund unprogrammed appropriations in the 2024 budget.

Recently, another controversy emerged when the House of Representatives approved a P74.431 billion subsidy for PhilHealth under House Bill 10800, only for it to be removed in the bicameral committee report.

Understandably, many lawmakers raised concerns over the removal, as these funds were expected to help fulfill PhilHealth’s mandate of providing universal healthcare.

The Senate President pointed out that with PhilHealth’s current budget, members should be able to enjoy more comprehensive benefits and called for the serious implementation of the Universal Healthcare Act to achieve “zero-balance billing” for hospitalized members.

When I first heard about these subsidy cuts, I was disheartened. As the primary caregiver in my family, I know firsthand how vital PhilHealth is. The fear of losing this safety net can weigh heavily on ordinary citizens like me. I was relieved, however, when I read your headline that assured PhilHealth benefits and services would continue.

The Department of Health has reassured the public that, despite the absence of subsidies in the forthcoming General Appropriations Act, all PhilHealth inpatient, outpatient, and special benefit packages will remain accessible. Moreover, the DoH shared some uplifting news: in August, the PhilHealth board approved new or enhanced benefit packages, including for hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, dengue treatment, PhilHealth Konsulta and heart attacks.

Even more exciting is the inclusion of benefits for rare diseases, oral and dental health, physical medicine and rehabilitation (including assistive devices like wheelchairs) and kidney transplantation.

The department also announced upcoming approvals for benefits related to emergency care, eyeglasses for children, open-heart surgery, heart valve repair or replacement, and cataract extraction, particularly for pediatric patients.

For families like mine, these benefits are a lifeline. My mother and I have both used PhilHealth services for medical emergencies, and these programs have significantly lightened our financial burden during difficult times. Hearing that PhilHealth is strengthening its benefits renews my hope and reminds me of the positive side of this institution.

I understand that PhilHealth has its share of issues to address, and accountability must remain a priority. However, I believe we must also recognize the tangible impact it has had on millions of lives. Programs like this prove that universal healthcare is achievable, and they inspire trust in the system when implemented effectively.

As we close this challenging year, I hope that PhilHealth continues to strengthen its services and fulfills its mandate. While there is much room for improvement, the recent developments give me hope that better days are ahead — not just for my family but for all Filipinos.

Dorothy Rofil

dotyrofil2001@yahoo.com