MANILA, May 21 (PNA) — The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) is already working to speed up the release of payments to different hospitals, Malacanang said.
“May commitment na ang mga regional offices ng PhilHealth na bilisan ang payment. Ang normal processing time is 60 days, but I think there has been already a continuous discussion with the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines (PHAP),” said Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda in a press briefing at the Palace on Wednesday.
It was reported that the PHAP has complained about the delays in PhilHealth reimbursements.
Lacierda attributed the reimbursement delays to PhilHealth’s new payment system.
PhilHealth has recently shifted to a new payment scheme — the case-based payment system, he said, adding that the slight delay in payments are “birth pains” and not due to mismanagement.
He further noted that not all hospitals are having delayed payments but that many other hospitals are receiving payments on time.
PhilHealth and PHAP continue to hold discussions to resolve the issue, he said.
The Palace official also reminded hospitals that their service is “imbued with public service” and they must serve the people well.
Lacierda made an assurance that the government is not reneging on its commitment to hospitals that are claiming payments from PhilHealth.
“The government will not renege on that obligation, that is why there has been a constant discussion with PHAP president, Dr. Rustico Jimenez, and with some of the hospitals concerned,” he said. (Philippine News Agency)
