SAN JOSE, Antique – PhilHealth urged the improvement and upgrading of hospital services and facilities in line with the implementation of New Case Rate Package.

New Case Rate Package, which was implemented way back in Sept 2011, provides case rates for selected medical cases, surgical procedures and the no balance billing policy.

Junie Sabusap, manager of PhilHealth Antique in an interview said that with its implementation, PhilHealth will pay the hospital the whole package as provided for in the circular when a member or his/her dependent is admitted regardless whether the amount allotted is fully utilized or not.

Sabusap said hospitals were urged to upgrade their services, laboratory facilities, medical specialist and most importantly make medicines available in hospital pharmacies so that members need not spend money out of their pocket for payment.

Sabusap further explained that Paying and Lifetime members are only obliged to pay when the amount provided for in the New Case Rate Package for corresponding illness/ailment is exhausted.

However, for sponsored program or indigent members, no balance billing policy is in effect where an indigent member or his/her dependents are not required to pay above and beyond package rates.

Philhealth said hospitals should do their share in the improvement of their services so that Filipinos can make the most of the Universal Health Coverage as one of the priority thrust of the administration.

As of date, Sabusap disclosed there are 22 cases with corresponding rate packages.

"We enjoin local officials to give priority to the upgrading of services and facilities of the hospitals and other PhilHealth accredited institutions," said Sabusap.*PIA