THE Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) recently opened its Local Health Insurance Office (LHIO) in Valenzuela City.

Located at the 6th floor of Puregold along Paso de Blas Road corner East Service Road North, LHIO Valenzuela was put up in partnership with Puregold as part of joint efforts to make transactions accessible and more convenient for mall goers who are likewise PhilHealth members. Puregold Management provided free office space to the said LHIO for ten consecutive years.

The new LHIO is expected to cater to the needs of PhilHealth members in the CAMANAVA area, including nearby Malolos in Bulacan.

Alexander A. Padilla, PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer said that the opening of the new LHIO is a fulfilment of a promise to bring PhilHealth’s services closer to its members. “Ito ang pagtupad na dalhin ang PhilHealth sa ibaba upang makapagbigay ng serbisyo sa mga mamamayan at makapagdulot ng mga benepisyo para sa pinakamaliliit na mamamayan. Handa na ang PhilHealth na magserbisyo dito sa Valenzuela. Habang pinalalawak namin ang mga benepisyo, patuloy din naming pararamihin ang aming mga tanggapan upang maabot ang ating mga miyembro.”

With an initial six-member team, LHIO Valenzuela offers public service and hassle-free transactions such as initial membership enrolment, updating and issuance of Member Data Records (MDR) and PhilHealth cards. According to the LHIO Head Lucile Arcenas, acceptance of reports from employers and claim documents from healthcare providers will soon be added to their services.

Speaking on behalf of Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian, CSW Head Dorothy Evangelista said that the Gatchalian supports whatever program PhilHealth has.

Anastacia Bartolome, a 76-year old senior citizen was very thankful for the opening of PhilHealth’s new office. “Malaking tulong na malapit na ang PhilHealth, hindi ko na kailangang magbiyahe para kumuha na aking Member Data Record.” She was one of the senior citizens enrolled under RA 10645 or the Mandatory PhilHealth Coverage for Senior Citizens.

On its soft launch in May this year, LHIO Valenzuela catered to more than 70 members. It now caters to an average of 300 members daily.

LHIO Valenzuela is the ninth LHIO in the National Capital Region and the 4th in PhilHealth’s North area. It is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from Mondays to Fridays. (END) (Emelita M. Retuta and Pinky G. Aragones)