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Bong Go Pushes PhilHealth To Step Up: More Diabetes Coverage And Free Hearing Aids For Seniors
Photo credit: Senator Bong Go
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go isn’t letting up when it comes to pushing for better healthcare benefits for Filipinos. This time, he’s urging the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to expand its coverage for diabetes management and provide free hearing aids for senior citizens.
During a Senate Committee on Health hearing on Wednesday, February 12, Go, who chairs the committee, pressed PhilHealth officials on what preventive measures are currently covered for diabetes patients—especially those with Type 1 diabetes who need regular monitoring.
“Ano na pong preventive measures ang kayang i-cover ng PhilHealth? ‘Yung mga glucose monitoring devices, pwede kaya i-cover na rin? Ang pinaka-apektado dito, ‘yung may Type 1 diabetes, lalo na po ‘yung mga batang pinanganak na may diabetes,” Go asked.
PhilHealth President Edwin Mercado responded by saying that diabetes-related consultations and medications are already part of the Konsulta program, which covers eight chronic diseases. However, he admitted that glucose testing devices aren’t yet included.
Go wasn’t satisfied with that answer. He urged PhilHealth to step up and find ways to cover essential monitoring tools for diabetes patients, especially children.
“Pakitutukan lang po ito, lalo na sa diabetes,” he said.
Free Hearing Aids for Seniors? Go Says It’s Time
Aside from diabetes care, Go also pointed out another gap in PhilHealth’s coverage—hearing aids for senior citizens.
“Libre po at meron kayong provision para sa mga bata. Baka pwede n’yong i-konsidera ang senior citizens—mas kailangan rin po nila ito,” he said.
Mercado acknowledged the issue and said PhilHealth would look into it. While hearing tests and assistive devices are already covered for children with disabilities, no such provision currently exists for older Filipinos.
Healthcare First, Politics Second
Despite the ongoing election campaign season, Go made it clear that his priority remains improving healthcare access for Filipinos.
“Sabi ko nga, kahit panahon ng kampanya ngayon, uunahin ko ang pagseserbisyo sa ating mga kababayang Pilipino. Uunahin ko ang mga kapakanan ng mga pasyente. Uunahin ko ang mahihirap nating kababayan,” he said.
With Go pushing for these reforms, the ball is now in PhilHealth’s court. Will they expand coverage for diabetes care and hearing aids for seniors? That’s something to watch out for in the coming months.
During a Senate Committee on Health hearing on Wednesday, February 12, Go, who chairs the committee, pressed PhilHealth officials on what preventive measures are currently covered for diabetes patients—especially those with Type 1 diabetes who need regular monitoring.
“Ano na pong preventive measures ang kayang i-cover ng PhilHealth? ‘Yung mga glucose monitoring devices, pwede kaya i-cover na rin? Ang pinaka-apektado dito, ‘yung may Type 1 diabetes, lalo na po ‘yung mga batang pinanganak na may diabetes,” Go asked.
PhilHealth President Edwin Mercado responded by saying that diabetes-related consultations and medications are already part of the Konsulta program, which covers eight chronic diseases. However, he admitted that glucose testing devices aren’t yet included.
Go wasn’t satisfied with that answer. He urged PhilHealth to step up and find ways to cover essential monitoring tools for diabetes patients, especially children.
“Pakitutukan lang po ito, lalo na sa diabetes,” he said.
Free Hearing Aids for Seniors? Go Says It’s Time
Aside from diabetes care, Go also pointed out another gap in PhilHealth’s coverage—hearing aids for senior citizens.
“Libre po at meron kayong provision para sa mga bata. Baka pwede n’yong i-konsidera ang senior citizens—mas kailangan rin po nila ito,” he said.
Mercado acknowledged the issue and said PhilHealth would look into it. While hearing tests and assistive devices are already covered for children with disabilities, no such provision currently exists for older Filipinos.
Healthcare First, Politics Second
Despite the ongoing election campaign season, Go made it clear that his priority remains improving healthcare access for Filipinos.
“Sabi ko nga, kahit panahon ng kampanya ngayon, uunahin ko ang pagseserbisyo sa ating mga kababayang Pilipino. Uunahin ko ang mga kapakanan ng mga pasyente. Uunahin ko ang mahihirap nating kababayan,” he said.
With Go pushing for these reforms, the ball is now in PhilHealth’s court. Will they expand coverage for diabetes care and hearing aids for seniors? That’s something to watch out for in the coming months.
Feb 16, 2025
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