Senator Christopher “Bong” Go brokers talks with PhilHealth, hospitals (FILE PHOTO)

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Monday says Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and hospitals must keep working together to ensure unhampered service while safeguarding funds.

Go welcome the move of PhilHealth to suspend the implementation of its Circular No. 2021-0013, which halts the payment of claims that are subject of investigation pertaining to fraudulent, unethical act and /or abuse of authority, ensuring that services will not be hampered amidst the ongoing public health emergency.

The senator clarified that he support PhilHealth‘s goal of ensuring only legitimate claims are paid but appealed that such mechanism to safeguard public funds must not put at risk the stability of the healthcare system especially during this pandemic.

“Bagamat sang ayon ako sa hangarin ng Philhealth na repormahin ang kanilang par maproteksyunan ang ponding bayan laban samga nananamantala,isaalang alang rin dapat natin ang mga maapektuhan ordinaryong mamamayan nawalang matatakbuhan at nangangailangan ng tulong lalo na pagdating sa kalusugan,” Go added.

Last Sunday, Philhealth reported that it was suspending the implementation of its Circular, which halts payment of claims subject of investigation.

PhilHealth spokesperson Shirley Domingo said the decision to suspend the implementation of the Circular was a result of talk between the PhilHealth management, the Department of Health (DOH) and hospital associations.

Prior to the suspension Senator Go, being the chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, personally appeal to PhilHealth President Dante Gierran, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Secretary Carlito Galvez to recommend a solution to the issue raised by the hospital associations.

Likewise, Go urged hospitals to follow proper processes and be genuine in their claims, particularly given the current circumstances. He then asked PhilHealth to keep moving forward with the settlement of unpaid reimbursement, even if it means hiring more staff, in order to avoid jeopardizing health services.

Go also warned that those who will engaged in fraudulent claims must be charges and held accountable under the law.

Earlier, Go filed a measure seeking to amend Presidential Decree No. 1460, otherwise known as ‘The Insurance Code of 1978’, to protect and safeguard the interests of Filipinos investing in health insurance services.

He said, seeks to properly regulate and promote a fair and competitive insurance industry.

Go highlighted that investing in private health insurance augments the healthcare services covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to Filipinos.