City improves PhilHealth program

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Hospitalization Assistance and Medicines Program reported that apart from its office’s benefits, the city government is strengthening its PhilHealth sponsored insurance program.

“Mayor Mike (Rama) wanted residents of Cebu City to enjoy affordable medical services so he introduced our sponsored PhilHealth program,” CHAMP chief Henry Sanchez said.

CHAMP is a program under the city mayor’s office.

Sanchez added that the release of PhilHealth Members Data Record is scheduled next month.

“This was started in 2011 and continued until now. We have about 37,000 indigent resident recipients,” Sanchez told reporters when his office presented their 2012 accomplishment report.

He reminded that the amount for PhilHealth coverage is dependent on the case with corresponding amount.

On top of this, residents can also avail of CHAMP benefits.

With CHAMP, one can enjoy a total of P35,000 for public hospitals comprised of P25,000 for hospitalization, P5,000 for medicines and another P5,000 for laboratory procedures.

When admitted to five private hospitals namely Miller Adventist Hospital, Chong Hua Hospital, Sacred Heart Hospital, Visayas Community Hospital and St. Anthony Hospital, however, an assistance of P10,000 can be availed.

Compared to last year’s office budget of P100 million, CHAMP got a P20 million increase this year.

“With a first-quarter budget of P27 million, we have consumed about P20 million. Last year, we were able to have savings,” Sanchez told reporters.

To be a recipient of CHAMP, one must be prove residence in Cebu City by showing the office a copy of voter’s certificate from the Commission on Elections, a barangay clearance, and proof of medical condition signed by a government doctor.

“For outpatients, they must present a medical certificate and prescription while for admitted patients, a medical abstract,” he enumerated.  (FREEMAN)