Marcos eyes lower out-of-pocket medical costs

Metro Manila, Philippines - President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. vowed to reduce the financial burden on medical patients by gradually lowering out-of-pocket medical expenses, including contributions to the government health insurance provider.

Speaking during the ceremonial turnover of patient transport vehicles on Wednesday, July 9, Marcos emphasized the administration’s push to improve the services of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and expand its coverage.

"‘Pinapalaki - pinaparami natin ang serbisyong ibinibigay ng PhilHealth," the President said.

[Translation: We're expanding and adding more services offered by PhilHealth.]

He acknowledged that patients are still required to contribute even when seeking medical attention, but noted that the government is working on reducing these payments.

"Binababaan natin ang payment, ang bayad, kasi kahit papaano ‘yung pasyente pagka magpapatingin o magpapagaling ay mayroon pa ring kontribusyon. At dahan-dahan naming babawasan ‘yang kontribusyon ng pasyente," he explained.

[Translation: We’re lowering the payment because even now, patients still have to contribute when they get check-ups or treatment. We will gradually reduce that patient contribution.]

Marcos expressed hope that with sustained economic improvement, Filipinos would eventually no longer need to pay contributions, covering only minimal administrative costs instead.

"At kung tayo’y magawa natin, ‘pag naayos natin ang ating ekonomiya nang mabuti at kaya na natin ay kaya naman siguro natin, wala ng kontribusyon ang pasyente," he said.

[Translation: And if we can do it, once we've fixed our economy and we're capable—then maybe we can remove patient contributions entirely.]

However, he admitted that current resources are still insufficient to fully implement this goal.