Immediate reforms to UHC Act urged

Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito recently called on the House of Representatives to expedite its version of the proposed amendments to the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act to facilitate its enactment into law.

In a statement, Ejercito stressed the urgency of implementing reforms in the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to ensure sustainable funding, efficient management, and timely delivery of health services.

“We in the Senate are pleased to have advanced measures aimed at further improving Universal Health Care. However, we need swift action from the House to get this passed into law,” Ejercito said.

Senate Bill 2620, which the Marcos administration has identified as a priority measure, was passed by the Senate in late August. Its counterpart bill in the House is still under committee review.

Key reforms proposed in SB 2620 include adjustments to PhilHealth premium rates, stricter fund management protocols, prohibiting fund transfers to other government agencies, expanding coverage to include dental services, and conducting regular reviews of benefit packages.

“We cannot afford to delay these reforms any longer. Our citizens deserve access to the health services they are entitled to. This is not just a priority, but a necessity for the well-being of our people,” said Ejercito, the bill’s principal author.

He expressed optimism that the House could pass its version before the end of the year, allowing the bicameral conference committee to reconcile the two versions and submit the final bill to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for approval.