Claims at Philhealth is being fortified thru the initiative of Pangasinan 5th district lawmaker Ramon Guico III as 15 interns were deployed to assist in the fast tracking of claims by hospitals in the whole Ilocos region.

“Isa po sa aking advocacy ang improved healthcare system para sa aking mga ka-distrito. One way to do this is to streamline and fast track the provision of services to the people,” Rep. Guico III, also the chair of the House Special Committee on the North Luzon Growth Quadrangle emphasized.

Philhealth Region 1 said the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic has brought in an increased volume of claims and limited human resources leading to possible delays in the processing of claims filed by government and private hostpitals.

“Kaya sa pakikipagugnayan natin sa Department of Labor and Employment via its Government Internship Program, we took the initiative to provide 15 interns to help in lowering the number of days in processing the claims to ensure the availability of HCIs funds in response to COVID-19 pandemic,” Guico III said.

Philhealth Region 1 explained that payment of claims on time to hospitals is important and failure to do so would “significantly” affect the heath care system in the region.

Philhealth Region 1 Benefit Administrative Section in charge of processing claims only has 48 personnel that is less than the ideal number of processors needed considering the hike of claims because of the additional COVID benefit packages for in-patient, testing and isolation, on top of regular claims.

The additional 15 interns through the initiative of Guico III, the Philhealth Region 1 said, would help lower the days in the processing of claims.

Philhealth Region 1 added that the 15 young interns come from the poor or indigent sector and will receive a daily stipend of P340.00 and have the opportunity to demonstrate their talents and skills in the field of public service.