MANILA – The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. is working on speeding up the release of payments to hospitals, Malacañang said yesterday.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing at the Palace that the regional offices of PhilHealth have committed to expedite payments to the hospitals. He added that the normal processing time is 60 days, but there has been a continuous discussion with the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines to fast-track it.

The PHAP has complained about the delays in PhilHealth reimbursements.

Lacierda attributed the reimbursement delays to the new payment system of PhilHealth. He said the agency recently shifted to the case-based payment system, adding that the slight delay in payments are "birth pains" and not due to mismanagement.

He noted that not all hospitals are having delayed payments, many others receive payments on time.

He also reminded hospitals that their service is “imbued with public service” and they must serve the people well.

Lacierda assured that the government is not reneging on its commitment to hospitals that are claiming payments from PhilHealth.

"The government will not renege on that obligation, that is why there has been a constant discussion with PHAP president, Dr. Rustico Jimenez, and with some of the hospitals concerned," he said.*PNA

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