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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider DBM denounces group for misleading PhilHealth claims

DBM denounces group for misleading PhilHealth claims

Published Sep 6, 2024 11:51 pm

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) condemned the Medical Action Group for spreading false and misleading information regarding the coverage of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).

In a statement, the budget department said the group is sowing fear and panic among Filipinos through its unverified claims.

On Thursday, the medical group claimed that the DBM unilaterally rescinded PhilHealth coverage for approximately 30 million individuals, including Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and their dependents in 2024.

But the DBM clarified that the reduction in PhilHealth beneficiaries was not a unilateral decision by the executive branch but a consequence of budget cuts imposed by legislation in the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

According to the DBM, "The DBM can neither unilaterally remove PHIC [PhilHealth] coverage nor reduce the number of its members, as it only follows what was provided in the approved FY 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA)."

The department also refuted the group's claims that it has no power to reduce PhilHealth membership. The DBM clarified that its role is to implement the approved GAA, which determines the funding available for various government programs, including PhilHealth.

"The national government not only provides premium subsidy for indirect contributors but it also provides subsidy for those that are financially incapable to pay for health insurance premiums through the provision of subsidy for Point-of-Service patients," the DBM said.

Furthermore, the DBM dismissed the group's assertion that PhilHealth would be unable to pay benefit claims due to the reduced membership. The agency pointed out that PhilHealth has substantial financial resources and has committed to increasing benefits by up to 50 percent this year.

Lastly, the DBM called upon the public to be vigilant and to verify information from reliable sources.

The agency also announced that it is considering legal action against the group for spreading misinformation that could harm public trust in the government and its health programs.

Related Tags

medical groups Department of Budget Management Procurement Service Philippine Health Insurance Corp. DBM
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