Expanded coverage for rare diseases,mobility devices lauded
SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, lauded PhilHealth’s announcement of expanded benefits that will now cover rare diseases and mobility devices under its health-care packages.
The reforms are expected to ease the financial burden on affected families and provide better access to essential health services.
“These reforms are long overdue and greatly needed. Napakaraming Pilipino ang nagdurusa dahil sa kakulangan ng tamang suporta sa kanilang mga pangangailangang medikal,” Go said. “Ito na ang hakbang upang maibsan ang kanilang paghihirap at siguraduhin na may maaasahan silang tulong.”
PhilHealth’s new “Z-Benefits Package for Rare Diseases” will include coverage for ten rare genetic conditions, such as Maple Syrup Urine Disease, Gaucher Disease, and Osteogenesis Imperfecta, among others. Benefit rates for these diseases, which affect an estimated 443,000 Filipinos, will now range from PHP 99,000 to PHP 739,000—an increase of over 1,000 percent compared to previous coverage.
In addition, after numerous appeals by Go, assistive devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, and canes will now be covered under PhilHealth’s outpatient Konsulta package, alongside enhanced rehabilitation services.
“Kamakailan, naging balita ang pag-aapruba ng PhilHealth sa preventive oral health benefit package na kasama ang dental care. Ito ay isang tagumpay na bahagi ng ating tuluy-tuloy na krusada sa reporma sa mga programang pangkalusugan. Sulit ang ating pangungulit sa sunud-sunod na pagdinig natin sa Senado,” Go also cited.
Go emphasized that these advancements reflect the culmination of sustained efforts to push for reforms within PhilHealth. During a series of committee hearings, he consistently pressed the state insurer to expand its benefits and address long-standing issues in its policies.
“Ngunit hindi rito natatapos ang laban. Sa mga pagdinig, paulit-ulit kong ipinaalala sa PhilHealth na dapat gamitin ang kanilang pondo upang mapalawak pa ang kanilang serbisyo. Gaya ng lagi kong sinasabi, hindi pwedeng pangako lang. Dapat may aksyon, may resulta, at higit sa lahat, may malasakit,” Go said.
“Nagpaalala tayo sa PhilHealth na tuparin ang mga ipinangakong reporma tulad ng pagtaas ng kanilang case rates; pagpapalawak ng benefit packages; pagbaba ng premium contribution; pagkakaloob ng emergency at preventive care; pagbibigay ng dental, visual care, libreng gamot, assistive devices at iba pang pangangailangang pangkalusugan sa mahihirap; pagsasaayos ng mga outdated na polisiya nila bukod pa sa 24-hour confinement rule na ipinangako nilang repasuhin at ang single period of confinement policy na kanilang naibasura kamakailan lamang matapos ang ating apela, at marami pang iba!,” he added.
As a consistent health reform crusader, Go has been vocal in demanding the inclusion of dental, visual, emergency, and preventive care, as well as free medicines and devices like eyeglasses. He was also instrumental in the recent abolition of the Single Period of Confinement (SPC) policy, which previously caused significant challenges for beneficiaries.
“Dapat nating gawing mas responsive ang PhilHealth sa mga tunay na pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan. Ang pera ng PhilHealth ay para sa taumbayan—bawat sentimo dapat nagagamit sa makabuluhang paraan,” Go added.
Go reiterated his appeal to PhilHealth officials to expedite the implementation of promised reforms, particularly for the top 10 mortality diseases and the expansion of benefits for preventive and outpatient care. He also urged Congress and health-sector stakeholders to collaborate in ensuring a responsive health-care system.
As PhilHealth finalizes its expanded packages, Go reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of Filipinos, stating that his crusade for meaningful health reforms will continue until the country achieves a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system.
“Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah,” underscored Go who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.
