By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Responding to a special request from House Deputy Majority Leader and ACT-CIS party-list lawmaker Erwin Tulfo, a top official of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has expressed confidence in increasing benefits for its members, particularly those undergoing dialysis treatment.
After meeting with Tulfo, PhilHealth Executive Vice President Eli Santos disclosed on Tuesday (28 May 2024) that the state-run health insurer is likely to double its subsidy for dialysis patients from P2,600 to P5,200 per session.
“PhilHealth is studying the possibility of increasing the subsidy to P5,200. We have been given one month to finalize this. Our goal is to eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for dialysis patients,” Santos said in a press briefing.
Tulfo noted that the current subsidy barely covers the necessary vials for dialysis patients.
“These shots (vials) are not always available in dialysis centers, forcing patients to seek financial assistance from various sources. They approach congressmen, mayors, and senators. While the P2,600 covers these vials, the unavailability at some centers forces patients to look elsewhere,” the ACT-CIS party-list lawmaker explained.
He emphasized that patients should not have to pay out of pocket for dialysis treatment.
Tulfo has consistently urged PhilHealth to increase benefits for its members.
It is noteworthy that in 2022, Congress allocated P80 billion to subsidize the premiums of indigent families, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities through PhilHealth. (el Ami/PAN)
