I attended the whole day consultation on the new Philhealth Law RA 10606 last Friday despite my hectic scheds. I also watched intently the power point presentation on the Services to OFWs and the Universal Health Care for Filipinos which is the most vital thing to know. The full IRR is with me and has started to digest the provisions. Basically, the FMW Groups contention citing the provision of the IRR Rule XVII Section 4 of the amended Migrants Law (RA 10022) ALL FEES FOR SERVICES BEING CHARGED BY ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY ON MIGRANT WORKERS AR THE TIME OF THE EFFECTIVITY OF THIS RULE CANNOT BE INCREASED is rendered moot and academic by the passage of the Philhealth Law 2013. Just like any newly enacted law, it carries a repealing Clause which voids a particular provision that runs contrary to the new one. With regards to the Services, there was a considerable improvement on what has been presented. Notably the provisions on the Case Rates and the introduction of the Catastrophic Cases that runs up to 550,000 pesos (ie. Heart Bypass, Neuro, Kidney & Liver Operation etc.). There was a clear increase on the amount of entitlements for the members and beneficiaries. At least now, there is chance for those OFWs suffering from such type of illness to be attended well, unlike before where most of them just waited for their bitter end due to lack of money. What i believe is the most beneficial provision to our OFWs is these... the cost of Hospitalization done Overseas can now be reimbursed in Philhealth with only the photocopies of the Bills or receipts from Hospitals. This is regardless of whether the full cost of Hospitalization was paid for by the Company or the Insurance Provider abroad. Also, starting 2014 Philhealth will now accept UNDOCUMENTED OFWs wanting to be a Member. Another important thing is the acceptance of 1200 pesos for OFWs who wanted to avail deferred payments despite the 2400 pesos minimum payment required for the least paying member as per the Law. Meaning, the partial payment of 1200 pesos would still be accepted when paying at the POEA for the OEC but the validity will only be for 6 months. The other 1200 can be paid at site when the OFW is already gainly employed. After the Forum, the Vice Pres (Greg Rulloda) approached me and wanted to know more on my proposal which is for Philhealth to establish a Medical Facility in every Region where the OFWs can have their Medical Examination and Lab Tests. The Facility must be fully compliant and accredited by concerned Embassys of every Countries that hosts OFWs. This would save enormous amount of money spent for by our fellow OFWs on Transportation and exorbitant costs by Medical Clinics like that of GAMCA whereby the minimum charge amounts to 2,700 pesos. While, i still expect some resistance from the Sector regarding the increase, i regret to inform everyone that the new rate shall be effectively implemented by 2014. I strongly suggest that we dissect the new Program of Philhealth in its entirety and be vigilant on its implementation. If you have any proposals/suggestions, pls let me know. Maraming Salamat po!
Posted on: Mon, 02 Dec 2013 03:33:22 +0000
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