COLLECTION AND PAYMENT. Emmanuel Ledesma Jr., president and chief executive officer of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, addresses issues in collection and payment systems during the PULSE (Promoting UHC Through Linkages, Synergy and Engagement) event in Davao City on Tuesday (Sept. 17, 2024). He discussed efforts to strengthen collection mechanisms and expand service coverage. (PNA photo by Che Palicte)
DAVAO CITY – A top official of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) stressed the urgent need to address ongoing issues in the collection and payment systems.
Speaking at the PULSE (Promoting UHC Through Linkages, Synergy and Engagement) event on Tuesday, PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. emphasized the importance of strengthening the collection mechanism to streamline revenue flow and expand service coverage.
“First, stabilizing revenue through improved premium collection is crucial. While premium rates are established by law, problems in collection and payment systems remain. Addressing these issues is an urgent priority,” Ledesma said.
He said modernizing the process will involve integrating advanced information technology and mobile payment solutions such as GCash, Instapay and Bancnet to enhance collection, especially from hard-to-reach areas.
“This modernization will contribute to higher compliance and better resource allocation, allowing us to provide greater financial risk protection to a larger segment of the population,” Ledesma added.
Ledesma highlighted that close collaboration and the development of integrated strategies are keys to maximizing resources and effectively serving the public.
“We must explore new approaches and embrace our shared responsibility to ensure every Filipino has access to quality health services. As we advance the PULSE mission, we reaffirm our commitment to partnerships, resource efficiency, and community engagement,” Ledesma said. (PNA)
