As of May this year, over 1.4 million residents of Pangasinan are now enrolled in the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama (Konsulta) program. This figure represents approximately 50% of the province’s population.
PhilHealth Ilocos Regional Vice President Dennis Adre attributed the high enrollment to the partnership between PhilHealth and the provincial government under its Government Unified Incentives for Medical Consultation (Guiconsulta) program. Under the Guiconsulta program, PhilHealth members who avail of Konsulta services receive fare and food allowances.
“Malaking tulong ang ginawa ng Pangasinan sa Guiconsulta na nag-allocate sila ng sariling pondo. Malaking bagay dahil pinopromote nila ang program ng PhilHealth na kung kami on our own hindi kakayaning i-capture ang 1.4 million in a year,” Adre stated, emphasizing the significant impact of the provincial government’s support.
He clarified that the PHP300 incentive from the provincial government is separate from the PHP1,700 allotted Konsulta package amount for each member annually.
Of the total enrolled Pangasinense members in Konsulta, 600,945 have already utilized the services, marking their first patient encounter as of May this year. “In Ilocos Region, what we practice is payment after services have been rendered. It really depends on the first patient encounter,” Adre explained, noting that PhilHealth has not yet fully reimbursed the provincial government’s primary care providers due to funds being withheld during the election period.
Currently, there are 81 hospitals and clinics accredited as Konsulta providers in the province, with 75 being government facilities and six private. “This is open for both private and public healthcare facilities. People have the option to have their outpatient services in private or public hospitals,” Adre added.
Konsulta is a comprehensive outpatient benefit mandated by the Universal Health Care Law, providing free access to medical consultations, health risk screening and assessment, selected laboratory and diagnostic testing, and selected drugs and medicines based on patients’ pre-existing conditions.
PhilHealth President Dr. Edwin Mercado, in a separate interview, mentioned plans to expand the benefits and coverage of the Konsulta program. “Our pivot is primary care; screening and early detection,” he stated, emphasizing that effective primary care can reduce the costs associated with treating chronic illnesses. He also noted the importance of encouraging more provider networks to offer members additional options.
Meanwhile, Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III highlighted the province’s investment in its 14 hospitals, all of which are accredited Konsulta providers, to enhance healthcare services for residents in line with the Universal Health Care Law.