The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) on Friday maintained that its emergency cash advance measure is "legal and necessary" for the country's efforts against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
The state-health insurer said that its Interim Reimbursement Mechanism (IRM) was suspended in order to evaluate the system.
“The agency maintains that IRM is legal and necessary for the country's overall COVID-19 response,” said PhilHealth in a statement posted on its official Facebook page.
PhilHealth announced on Thursday, August 14, the suspension of the IRM amid the ongoing Congressional hearings on the alleged irregularities in the agency. The implementation of the system was criticized by some lawmakers as there were allegations of favoritism to some medical facilities.
The IRM was being used by PhilHealth to assist health care institutions (HCIs) in case of “fortuitous event” such as the COVID-19 health crisis.
The agency said it will “fully” cooperate with the investigations “and will not hesitate to punish anyone found guilty of wrongdoing.”
Meanwhile, PhilHealth has assured its members that it will continue to provide their necessary benefits.
“PhilHealth assured the public of continuous payment of health insurance benefits especially at this time of pandemic and despite the controversy that it is going through,” the agency said in a separate statement.
“All Filipinos, who have become automatic members by virtue of the Universal Health Care law, shall continue to enjoy PhilHealth coverage for needed treatments and procedures,” it said.
PhilHealth said that its offices nationwide “remain open for transactions but implementing strict precautionary protocols to protect the health and safety of both visitors and employees.”