By MERLINDA A. PEDROSA
The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod requested the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to review, amend and further liberalize its benefit eligibility policies for long-time contributors who die or suffer critical illness within 24 hours of hospital confinement.
The council resolution is in response to growing public concern over reports involving PhilHealth members who had faithfully contributed to the national health insurance program for many years but allegedly failed to qualify for certain benefits because their confinement lasted less than 24 hours before their death or critical medical event.
“Many Filipinos have faithfully paid their PhilHealth contributions for decades with the expectation that they and their families will receive assistance during their most difficult moments,” Councilor Cesar Distrito said.
He said it is only fair that benefit policies recognize, not just the duration of confinement, but also the totality of a member’s contributions and circumstances.
The city council also called on PhilHealth to explore the establishment of a special protection benefit package for members who have consistently contributed over a substantial period of time, particularly in cases involving emergency hospitalization, catastrophic illness, critical medical conditions, or death occurring shortly after admission to a healthcare facility.
For her part, Councilor Celia Flor said that this is about fairness and compassion.
“Long-time contributors should not be deprived of meaningful benefits merely because a medical emergency or death occurred within a short period after hospital admission. We hope PhilHealth will consider reforms that better reflect the sacrifices and contributions of its members,” she said.
She added that social health insurance is founded on the principles of solidarity and shared responsibility.
She noted that expanding protection for long-time contributors would strengthen public confidence in PhilHealth and reinforce the fundamental purpose for which the institution was created.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod also expressed hope that the measure will contribute to ongoing discussions on healthcare reforms and help ensure that Filipinos who have faithfully supported the national health insurance program receive fair and compassionate treatment during times of medical crisis./MAP, WDJ