Kuya Bong urges swift UHC bill amendments

Kuya Bong urges swift UHC bill amendments | Daily Tribune

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go received applause from health workers at the National Department of Health (DoH) Employees’ Association (NADEA) convention recently as he advocated for the swift passage of Senate Bill No. 2620.

The bill, co-authored and co-sponsored by Go — who also chairs the Senate Committee on Health — aims to amend the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law by reducing Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) premium contributions for direct members from 5 percent to 3.25 percent, easing the financial burden on Filipinos and expanding healthcare access.

“I hope the President approves the bill. I am one of the authors of this reduction in premium contributions. Their funds are excessive. It’s now in Congress and the Senate. In the meantime, we should lower it, instead of suspending it,” Go said.

The UHC Act amendment is a legislative priority to be passed before the 19th Congress adjourns.

While acknowledging PhilHealth’s support for millions of Filipinos, Go highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in benefit delivery and public awareness. He cited persistent issues with delayed reimbursements and low coverage rates, assuring attendees he would monitor the agency’s performance.

Go has long criticized PhilHealth’s fund management, questioning the transfer of excess funds to the National Treasury. He shared the case of Dr. Walter Jalgalado, who received only P57,000 in PhilHealth support for P10 million in hospital bills.

“He got sick — P4 million (bill), PhilHealth covered P27,000. He got sick again — P6 million. PhilHealth covered P29,000. A total of P57,000 out of P10 million. That is less than 1 percent of his hospital billing,” Go said.

He urged PhilHealth to improve services and be accountable for public contributions. “PhilHealth is for health — not a business. We should have something to rely on when we get sick,” he stressed.

Following Go’s appeals, PhilHealth has committed to reforms, including repealing the 24-hour confinement rule and expanding emergency outpatient coverage. They have also lifted the 45-day annual hospitalization limit and increased case rates.

Go also raised concerns about low registration in PhilHealth’s e-Konsulta program, citing the need for better information dissemination.

“Out of 115 million Filipinos, only 27.8 million have registered for PhilHealth’s e-Konsulta. Registration is still low,” he said.

He reminded officials of promises to expand coverage to include top 10 mortality diseases, eye and dental checkups, and free eyeglasses.

Go invited NADEA members to an upcoming Senate Committee on Health hearing to share ideas for improving the healthcare system.

Go also reiterated his call for a Philippine Health Card to ensure Filipinos are aware of their PhilHealth membership and benefits. He emphasized the importance of tangible proof of membership.