Go pushes expanded PhilHealth lupus coverage

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go renewed his call for the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to expand coverage for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), citing the financial burden of prolonged treatment and continuing medical care.

Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, said lupus patients need sustained assistance for regular consultations, laboratory tests, medicines and other treatment requirements.

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues and organs. It can affect the kidneys, heart, lungs, joints and skin, with symptoms and complications varying among patients.

Although treatment can help control the disease, patients often require long-term medical supervision.

“While this is not yet a law, we have already secured a commitment from PhilHealth during the budget hearings to develop a benefit package for lupus. We now call on PhilHealth to fulfill its commitment,” Go said in an earlier manifestation supporting legislation on the disease.

While PhilHealth provides case-rate benefits for certain lupus-related hospitalizations, Go has called for more comprehensive coverage of diagnosis, monitoring, medication and continuing treatment.

He also co-sponsored Senate Bill 1513, or the proposed Comprehensive Lupus Prevention Act, which the Senate approved on third and final reading on 26 January.

The measure seeks to establish a national program covering lupus awareness, prevention, early detection, treatment and long-term disease management. It also proposes PhilHealth coverage for early detection and screening services.

Go said lupus can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms often resemble those of other illnesses.

He urged PhilHealth and the Department of Health to improve access to diagnostic tests, medicines, specialists and other services needed by patients, particularly those in provincial and geographically isolated communities.

Go said expanded coverage would help reduce delayed diagnoses and ease the financial burden on families managing chronic illnesses.