Recto urges DOH, PhilHealth to expand benefits for middle class

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto has called on the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to expand benefits and packages, particularly for middle class individuals. 

Recto made the call during his meeting with DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa and PhilHealth president and CEO Edwin Mercado last January 20, according to a press release on Sunday. 

Recto pointed out that middle class individuals consistently pay their taxes and contributions, noting the need for contributors to see commensurate benefits. 

To recall, a coalition of doctors, health advocates, lawyers, and PhilHealth members filed complaints against Recto and former PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. over the transfer of P60 billion worth of excess PhilHealth funds to National Treasury.

In response to this, Recto said the matter has already been addressed by the Supreme Court, and the government has fully complied with its ruling. 

Aside from expanding benefits, the officials tackled the system-wide measures that will guarantee that the zero balance billing program is felt by Filipinos.

For its part, the DOH said that it is already in the final stages of completing its DOH - LGU Healthcare Provider Network (HCPN), which aims to support local government units that provide higher level care. —KG, GMA Integrated News