PhilHealth, IBP boost free legal aid access

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PASIG CITY — The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines have signed a two-year memorandum of agreement to strengthen member protection, promote patient rights, and expand access to legal support for Filipinos under the Universal Health Care program.

PhilHealth President and CEO Dr. Edwin M. Mercado and IBP National President and 27th Board of Governors Chairperson Allan G. Panolong led the signing ceremony at the IBP Building in Pasig City.

The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration between PhilHealth and the country’s national organization of lawyers to improve support systems for members.

The partnership particularly aims to address concerns involving health care benefits, patient rights, and access to information.

Under the agreement, PhilHealth and the IBP will work together to promote greater awareness of members’ rights and entitlements under the Universal Health Care Act through joint information and education campaigns.

The two institutions will also collaborate on policy initiatives to enhance patient welfare and improve the delivery of health care services.

The agreement also covers cooperation in health law and policy development, capacity-building programs, continuing legal education for PhilHealth lawyers, and fraud prevention efforts.

PhilHealth said these initiatives are expected to strengthen its ability to deliver responsive services and ensure that members receive the benefits and protections they are entitled to under the law.

A key feature of the agreement is the provision of free legal aid activities for qualified PhilHealth members, particularly those who are indigent or marginalized, on matters involving health care benefits and claims.

PhilHealth will support these initiatives by providing the necessary information and documentation to facilitate legal assistance.

The partnership will also support the enhancement of PhilHealth’s existing dispute resolution mechanisms.

PhilHealth said the move is intended to improve service delivery and ensure that member concerns and benefit-related issues are addressed in a timely, fair, and efficient manner.

The Universal Health Care Act, or Republic Act No. 11223, automatically enrolls all Filipinos in the National Health Insurance Program and seeks to ensure equitable access to quality and affordable health care while protecting patients from financial risk.

Through the partnership, PhilHealth reaffirmed its commitment to protecting members’ interests and advancing universal health care.

The agency said the agreement will help ensure that Filipinos have not only access to health insurance coverage but also the information, support, and legal safeguards needed to fully exercise their health care rights.