By Analou De Vera
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) said that it will apply the full force of the law against employers and health service providers who are involved in fraudulent acts.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
"We are determined to curb fraudulent practices of PhilHealth stakeholders, as we will never renege on our commitment to protect the National Health Insurance Fund," said PhilHealth president Dr. Roy Ferrer in a statement.
Ferrer said they have received several cases of violations by its partner employers, including pilferage, fabrication of documents and misrepresentation.
"We will not hesitate to penalize all offenders, without exception, even if they are top executives of companies which violate the laws governing PhilHealth and the National Health Insurance Fund," Ferrer said.
Meanwhile, Ferrer encouraged employers to settle their pending obligations; reconcile payment records; declare, true, accurate, complete and timely payment of premium remittance reports; and update employee-member records to avoid penalties and legal sanctions.
Ferrer then assured its stakeholders the agency is committed "to provide you with your benefits and entitlements as mandated by law."
Recently, the agency said it is on its way to regain financial stability as it reported a net cash position of P37 billion as of May 2018.
"This report clearly sent a strong message -- to believers and doubters alike -- that it has the ability to pay its obligations and sustain the program for the benefit of those who are in need of quality health care," Ferrer said.
The Commission on Audit earlier revealed that PhilHealth incurred a net loss of P4.75 billion last year.