Latest news with #EdwinMercado
GMA Network
29-05-2025
- Health
- GMA Network
PhilHealth CEO Mercado submits courtesy resignation
Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) acting president and CEO Dr. Edwin Mercado has submitted his courtesy resignation amid the ongoing post-midterm polls executive overhaul of the Marcos administration. 'Bilang pagsunod sa direktiba ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ay nagsumite na ng kaniyang courtesy resignation ang aming acting president and CEO Dr. Edwin M. Mercado,' PhilHealth said in a statement. (In accordance with the directive of President Ferdinand Jr., our acting president and CEO Dr. Edwin Mercado submitted his courtesy resignation.) His resignation came after the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) directed state-run firms' non-ex-officio chairpersons, chief executive officers (CEOs), and all appointive directors/trustees/members of their respective GOCCs' governing boards to immediately submit their courtesy resignations to the President through the Office of the Executive Secretary. Mercado, an orthopedic surgeon, was named as the new chief of PhilHealth in February in the midst of the controversial transfer of P60 billion funds of the state insurer to the national treasury, which was criticized by health advocates. Last week, Marcos sought the courtesy resignations of Cabinet secretaries to "recalibrate" his administration after the 2025 national and local elections. The President had lamented that results of the May 2025 midterm polls showed that the people are "tired of politics and they are disappointed with the government." —AOL, GMA Integrated News
Filipino Times
21-03-2025
- Health
- Filipino Times
PhilHealth removes 45-Day benefit limit for members
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) announced the removal of the 45-day benefit limit for its members. PhilHealth President and CEO, Edwin Mercado, explained in a statement on March 20 that the policy, which has been in place since 2006, is now considered an 'outdated cost-containment strategy.' Mercado acknowledged the policy's initial purpose but emphasized that with recent changes in the payment system, it is time for reform. He highlighted that medical needs are unpredictable, and many services require coverage beyond 45 days. Under the old policy, members were entitled to a maximum of 45 days for room and board, with an additional 45 days shared among dependents. PhilHealth has already expanded coverage in some areas, such as hemodialysis, which was increased from 90 to 156 sessions. The state health insurer is committed to ensuring that Filipinos with chronic illnesses or severe conditions continue to receive the necessary care. However, PhilHealth stressed that benefits should be utilized based on medical necessity, and patient care will be monitored to ensure proper adherence to clinical standards and reimbursement rules.
