ALABEL, SARANGANI—AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee said on Friday that he would continue advocating for “no balance billing” so that struggling Filipino families would not need to shell out a single peso for urgent medical care.
Lee made the statement following the announcement of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) that it would be increasing members’ benefits by as much as 30 percent.
Speaking at the Alabel State of the Children Report and Children’s Congress in the capital of Sarangani, Lee pointed out that the youth is the nation’s hope and that the government should take care of young citizens.
He also cited that Filipino families often have financial struggles, particularly when a young member of the family gets sick. He also urged the government to effectively implement its health care programs.
According to Lee, “hindi dapat balakid ang kahirapan upang makatanggap ng maayos na medical treatment.”
Lee in October wrote PhilHealth management and recommended a 20% to 30% increase in all benefit packages and coverage provided by the Corporation as rates had remained unchanged for over a decade.
He had earlier pointed out in Congressional budget hearings that PhilHealth was in a position to increase its benefits as it had P466 billion worth of investible funds and P68.4 billion in net income. With Rio N. Araja