Hontiveros seeks probe into claims row between PhilHealth, hospital groups

Senator Risa Hontiveros has filed a resolution urging the Senate to conduct an investigation on the payment claims issues between the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and private hospitals.

“Ang mamamayang Pilipino ang nalulugi sa bangayan ng PhilHealth at private hospitals. Sa bawat araw na hindi nalulutas ang isyung ito, may mga pasyenteng matinding nag-aalala kung saan kukuha ng pambayad sa ospital,” she said.

“The Senate must investigate because we simply cannot leave the public hanging,” Hontiveros said.

According to Proposed Senate Resolution 880, PhilHealth issued Circular 2021-0013 “suspending payment of claims that are subject of investigations pertaining to fraudulent, unethical acts, and/or abuse of authority” for a period of 120 days.

However, as a result of this directive, the Private Hospital Association Inc. (PHAPi) and the Philippine Hospital Association (PHA) announced that they were “disengaging” with PhilHealth, prohibiting PhilHealth members “for the meantime” to avail of PhilHealth benefits when they go to member-hospitals.

“The temporary suspension of claims may severely impact struggling small hospitals and treatment centers, including healthcare workers who are employed in these facilities. Kung hindi ito maresolba, ang mga Pilipinong manggagawa rin ang lubos na maapektuhan,” Hontiveros said.

“Pinaghirapan nating ipasa ang Universal Health Care Act (UHC) para masiguradong lahat ng Pilipino ay may access sa health services at walang sinuman ang kailangang malubog sa utang dahil lang sa isang kapamilyang nagkasakit,” she said.

“Mas lalong dapat tiyakin na walang harang sa paggamit ng health services ngayong panahon ng krisis. We should not allow an impasse during this crucial time of a public health emergency,” added Hontiveros, who co-authored and co-sponsored the UHC Act.

“In the midst of a public health crisis, Filipinos need safety nets in public health emergencies, as well as a financial cushion on the cost of hospitalization,” she said.

“If no agreements are reached between PhilHealth and the private health care providers, the consequences will be borne by the Filipino people who are already reeling from the multiple burdens wrought by the pandemic,” Hontiveros said.

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Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)