Senator Bong Go has filed Senate Bill No. 2983, which seeks to require the issuance of a Philippine Health Card to all Filipinos to ensure better access to healthcare services under the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP). This measure is aimed at addressing gaps in PhilHealth registration and improving the implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law.
Go highlighted the importance of all Filipinos having proof of their PhilHealth membership to help them avail of benefits under NHIP.
"Sa ilalim ng Universal Health Care Law, lahat ng Pilipino ay miyembro ng PhilHealth, pero hindi lahat ay may PhilHealth ID. Marami ang nahihirapang mag-avail ng kanilang benepisyo dahil walang hawak na pisikal na ID. Gusto nating tiyakin na lahat ay may malinaw na access sa serbisyong pangkalusugan," he said.
According to PhilHealth data, all 112.89 million Filipinos are covered by NHIP, which means a coverage rate of 100%. However, by the end of 2023, only 96% of Filipinos were formally registered, leaving about 4.52 million people without proper documentation.
To address this, Go’s proposed legislation would require PhilHealth to issue free health cards to all NHIP members. These cards would serve as official identification for accessing healthcare services and claiming benefits.
"Sa panukalang ito, maglalabas ng health card ang PhilHealth para sa bawat Pilipino. Libre ito at pwedeng gamitin saan mang bahagi ng bansa para sa mga benepisyo ng NHIP. Ang mahalaga, madali at abot-kamay ang mga serbisyong pangkalusugan," Go explained.
The bill also ensures that the health card will be distributed in partnership with local government units and will not bear any partisan political features. However, the absence of the ID will not prevent any member from availing of PhilHealth benefits.
"Ang kawalan ng ID card ay hindi dapat maging hadlang sa pag-avail ng benepisyo. Sa ilalim ng batas, ang bawat Pilipino ay covered na ng PhilHealth. Ngunit sa kasalukuyan, marami pa rin ang hindi nakakaalam ng kanilang mga karapatan at pribilehiyo bilang miyembro," Go added.
The bill ensures that the health cards will be distributed in collaboration with local government units and will not include any political branding. However, the lack of an ID will not stop members from receiving PhilHealth benefits.
"Ang hangarin natin ay siguruhin na walang Pilipino ang mapag-iiwanan sa serbisyong pangkalusugan. Dapat nating gawing madali ang proseso at alisin ang mga hadlang sa pagpapagamot, lalo na sa mahihirap nating kababayan," he said.
“‘Yung iba, hindi nila alam na member sila ng PhilHealth, wala silang proof, wala silang hawak,” he cited.
During a Health Committee hearing on January 16, Go discussed the state of universal healthcare and the challenges with PhilHealth membership verification.
Currently, PhilHealth provides only paper or cardboard membership proof, which many members find inadequate. Go emphasized the need for a durable, presentable card that members can easily show when necessary. He also stressed the importance of informing all Filipinos that they are eligible PhilHealth members and entitled to corresponding health benefits.
Go shared cases where members avoided seeking medical care due to a lack of awareness about their PhilHealth membership.
"Katulad nung namatay na ayaw magpa-ospital, ayaw magpa-check-up, maaring hindi n’ya alam na member siya ng PhilHealth. That is possible na hindi n’ya alam kasi takot siya magpa-ospital. Pero once na meron silang proof, ‘Oh, member naman ako ng PhilHealth.’ So, papakita n’ya, maaring pagdating ng panahon, sana maging maayos," Senator Go recalled.
Go, who also serves as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, has consistently pushed for measures aimed at strengthening the country’s healthcare system, particularly through the Malasakit Centers, improved medical assistance programs, and hospital expansions nationwide.
"Patuloy nating ipaglalaban ang mas maayos, mas mabilis, at mas maaasahang healthcare system para sa lahat ng Pilipino," he said.