SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go has filed Senate Bill No. 2983, seeking to mandate the issuance of a Philippine Health Card to all Filipinos to ensure seamless access to healthcare services under the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP). The measure aims to address gaps in PhilHealth registration and strengthen the implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law.
Go emphasized the need for all Filipinos to have tangible proof of their PhilHealth membership, which will help facilitate the availing of benefits under the NHIP.
“Sa ilalim ng Universal Health Care Law, lahat ng Pilipino ay miyembro ng PhilHealth, pero hindi lahat ay may PhilHealth ID. Marami ang nahihirapang mag-avail ng kanilang benepisyo dahil walang hawak na pisikal na ID. Gusto nating tiyakin na lahat ay may malinaw na access sa serbisyong pangkalusugan,” he said.
Based on PhilHealth data, all 112.89 million Filipinos are covered by NHIP, setting the coverage rate at 100%. However, as of the end of 2023, only 96% of Filipinos were formally registered with PhilHealth, leaving approximately 4.52 million individuals without proper documentation.
To address this, Go’s proposed legislation mandates PhilHealth to issue free health cards to all members of the NHIP. The health card will serve as an official identification document for healthcare services and benefit claims.
“Sa panukalang ito, maglalabas ng health card ang PhilHealth para sa bawat Pilipino. Libre ito at pwedeng gamitin saan mang bahagi ng bansa para sa mga benepisyo ng NHIP. Ang mahalaga, madali at abot-kamay ang mga serbisyong pangkalusugan,” Go explained.
The bill also ensures that the health card will be distributed in partnership with local government units and will not bear any partisan political features. However, the absence of the ID will not prevent any member from availing of PhilHealth benefits.
“Ang kawalan ng ID card ay hindi dapat maging hadlang sa pag-avail ng benepisyo. Sa ilalim ng batas, ang bawat Pilipino ay covered na ng PhilHealth. Ngunit sa kasalukuyan, marami pa rin ang hindi nakakaalam ng kanilang mga karapatan at pribilehiyo bilang miyembro,” Go added.
The proposed measure aligns with the constitutional mandate under Article XIII, Section 15, which states that the government must adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development. Go reiterated that this bill is a crucial step toward achieving a truly inclusive healthcare system in the country.
“Ang hangarin natin ay siguruhin na walang Pilipino ang mapag-iiwanan sa serbisyong pangkalusugan. Dapat nating gawing madali ang proseso at alisin ang mga hadlang sa pagpapagamot, lalo na sa mahihirap nating kababayan,” he said.
“‘Yung iba, hindi nila alam na member sila ng PhilHealth, wala silang proof, wala silang hawak,” he cited.
During a Health committee hearing held on Thursday, January 16, Senator Go tackled the state of universal healthcare implementation and the issues surrounding PhilHealth membership verification.
Currently, PhilHealth issues only a cardboard or paper-based membership proof, which many members find inadequate. Senator Go stressed the importance of issuing a durable and presentable card that members can carry and show without hesitation. More importantly, he stressed the need to inform every Filipino that they are eligible members of PhilHealth who are entitled to corresponding health benefits.
Go also cited instances where members refrained from seeking medical care due to a lack of awareness of their PhilHealth membership.
“Katulad nung namatay na ayaw magpa-ospital, ayaw magpa-check-up, maaring hindi n’ya alam na member siya ng PhilHealth. That is possible na hindi n’ya alam kasi takot siya magpa-ospital. Pero once na meron silang proof, ‘Oh, member naman ako ng PhilHealth.’ So, papakita n’ya, maaring pagdating ng panahon, sana maging maayos,” Senator Go recalled.
Go, who also serves as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, has consistently pushed for measures aimed at strengthening the country’s healthcare system, particularly through the Malasakit Centers, improved medical assistance programs, and hospital expansions nationwide.
“Patuloy nating ipaglalaban ang mas maayos, mas mabilis, at mas maaasahang healthcare system para sa lahat ng Pilipino,” he said.
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