Press Release - Bong Go tells PhilHealth to fulfill promises on expanded health benefits: 'mula boy promise, maging boy tupad ka!'

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go called on Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) President Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. to deliver on the agency's commitments to expand its benefit packages under the Universal Health Care Act. Go made the remarks during a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Health, which he chairs, on Monday, November 25.

"Sana po itong mga pinangako ninyo... Sana mula 'Boy Promise' maging 'Boy Tupad' ka," Go quipped, urging Ledesma to ensure that PhilHealth's promises result in real benefits for Filipinos.

During the hearing, Go highlighted the urgent need to expand benefits such as assistive devices, visual and dental care, and preventive services. "Sa amin sa probinsya, 'yung iba po'y sinulid ang ginagamit nila pantanggal ng ngipin," he noted, shedding light on the lack of access to proper dental care in rural areas.

Go, a health reform crusader, urged PhilHealth to fulfill its promises to expand its benefit packages and prioritize preventive measures, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and students.

"Kung sobra-sobra naman ang pera ng PhilHealth, please expand your benefits packages. Kasama na po dito ang visual, emergency, and preventive care. Mas mabuti po 'yung prevention bago lumalala," he added, underscoring the importance of early intervention to prevent more severe health conditions like cataracts.

In October, the Senate Health Committee received PhilHealth's official commitment letter outlining its promises to implement reforms in line with the Universal Health Care Act.

Among the key proposals committed by PhilHealth are dental benefit packages covering consultations, oral prophylaxis, and dentures by December 31, 2024; outpatient drug packages for essential medicines by the same date; and mental health packages, including consultations and psychosocial interventions, also by December 31, 2024.

Additionally, optometric services and devices for the early detection of refractive errors to prevent blindness are targeted for implementation by November 30, 2024. Assistive devices such as wheelchairs, crutches, and walkers, along with emergency outpatient services, are also expected by December 31, 2024.

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