“We will continue to improve on our services as an embodiment of true public service. Not all of your illnesses may be covered by HMOs, but PhilHealth will always be there to support you. So, if you are not yet a PhilHealth member, try to be one because there will come a time that you will also need its services.”

This was the message conveyed by Alexander A. Padilla, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in the recently concluded Press Briefing at the PhilHealth Head Office in Pasig City.

Twenty one (21) media partners from the Philippine Star, Philippine News Agency, Market Monitor, Harborscope, Balita, Pilipino Mirror, Remate, Dyaryo Pinoy, Philippines Graphic, PTV 4, DZMM, DZRH, DWIZ, RMN-DZXL, DZEC, DWBL and Liga ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas attended the Press Briefing.

The briefing focused on the new PhilHealth policies requiring the submission of Statement of Account (SOA) for All Case Rates claims reimbursement, presentation of Statement of Premium Account (SPA) prior to employer remittances and policy statements on the diagnosis and management of asthma in adults.

“As regards the new policy embodied in PhilHealth Circular 2016-0005, we require our health care providers to submit the Statement of Account (SOA) along with their claim documents,” said Padilla. This move, he said, is part of PhilHealth’s efforts to review the All Case Rates provider payment mechanism in the context of policy research.

He also emphasized that employers in the government and private sectors must now present the Statement of Premium Accounts (SPA) before their premium contributions will be accepted by accredited collecting partners. As exemplified in Circular 2016-0008, the SPA replaces the PhilHealth Premium Payment Slip (PPPS) for employer contributions and can be generated by the employers through their own accounts using the Electronic Premium Remittance System (EPRS).

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Dr. Israel Francis A. Pargas, OIC-Vice President for Corporate Affairs Group, discussed the new PhilHealth policies on the diagnosis and management of asthma in adults. “The policy statements, which are in compliance with the Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG), will be used as PhilHealth’s reference in ensuring quality of care for all its members. The release of the statements is also among the key strategies in the implementation of quality assurance standards.

He added that “patients with status asthmaticus and those who do not respond to treatment of acute asthmatic attacks in the emergency room should be admitted. Long-term treatment of asthma can also be started while the patient is still admitted in the hospital. However, those with stable vital signs for 24 hours and have the ability to maintain oral intake may be discharged.”

Also present at the media briefing to provide additional insights on the technical details of the new policies were Ruben John A. Basa, Senior Vice President for Health Finance Policy Sector and Alberto C. Manduriao, OIC-Vice President for Member Management Group.

The PhilHealth Chief also announced that the development of the PhilHealth Plus is underway. The PhilHealth Plus, which will initially be available to government employees, will offer supplementary benefits on top of the basic benefit package and may be funded by either the employer or the members themselves. It is primarily designed to lessen out-of-pocket expenses.

Padilla also clarified the issue on PhilHealth’s fund stability. He emphasized that the funds remain robust and that members need not worry about it. “The National Health Insurance Fund remains stable and is fully able to address our commitments as far as the health insurance needs of our members are concerned. Proof of our financial viability is the fact that we have paid about P97 billion for our members’ claims in 2015, P78 B in 2014, and this year, we are averaging P1.8 billion a week in our benefit payments.”

Questions raised by media touched on the sin tax amounts, coverage of foster children, the EPRS, the implementation of the No Balance Billing policy, PhilHealth’s achievements for the last six years, and the lowest points or challenges faced by the Corporation, among others.

When asked what he intends to do if he is replaced as PhilHealth President and CEO, Padilla said that “unang una ay magpapahinga muna ako at magbabakasyon. Pagkatapos ay babalikan ko ang aking law firm at sa totoo lang, gusto ko talagang magturo. Nagturo na ako dati at natigil lamang dahil nagtrabaho na ako sa PhilHealth at sa peace process. Babalik ako sa pagtuturo at baka buong buhay ko na iyon”.

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He also emphasized the legacies he wants to leave in the organization. “There are very few things you take to the grave with you. For me, what is important is your reputation and good name. I want to be remembered as an honest person with integrity. There are always temptations to cut corners and break your integrity. Do not do it. Do what is right all the time, no matter what the cost. Also, I have always believed that there is no higher calling than to be of service to others. By living and working with a spirit of service, we have an opportunity to leave a powerful legacy to the world. When we work with the understanding and acknowledgement that others will inherit what we leave behind, we have the potential and opportunity to make a lasting impact on those we serve,” Padilla said.

He also reaffirmed his belief in the noble cause for which PhilHealth was created. “PhilHealth is one of the best government agencies in the country and the concept of national health insurance is worthy of emulation. I am happy with the current benefits and services of PhilHealth.”

The Press Briefing convenes media practitioners and updates them on the soon-to-be-implemented policies such as, but not limited to, benefits and collection efforts of the Corporation in a light and informal manner. It also serves as a venue for the President and CEO to clarify the issues concerning the said policies and other concerns of the media.(END) (Emelita M. Retuta)