MANILA – The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has partnered with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) to expand its legal support for members and strengthen patient rights.
Based on a Wednesday news release, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation signed on Tuesday a two-year Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines to strengthen support systems for its members, particularly to address concerns involving healthcare benefits, patient rights, and access to information.
The agreement was formalized between PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Edwin Mercado and IBP National President and Chairperson of the 27th Board of Governors Allan Panolong at the IBP Building in Pasig City.
“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 related to healthcare benefits and claims,” the news release said.
“PhilHealth will support these initiatives by providing the necessary information and documentation to facilitate legal assistance,” it said.
PhilHealth and IBP will also conduct information and education campaigns to help Filipinos better understand their rights and entitlements under the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act.
Meanwhile, PhilHealth said the partnership also covers cooperation on health law and policy development, capacity-building programs, continuing legal education for PhilHealth lawyers, and fraud prevention measures to strengthen safeguards within the system.
“These initiatives are expected to strengthen PhilHealth’s ability to deliver responsive services and ensure that members receive the benefits and protections they are entitled to under the law,” it said. (PNA)