MANILA – Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on Sunday called on the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to expand benefit packages, particularly for middle-income contributors.

During a meeting on Jan. 20 with DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa and PhilHealth President and CEO Edwin Mercado, Recto emphasized that contributors who consistently pay taxes and PhilHealth premiums should receive benefits proportional to their contributions.

The discussion also focused on strengthening zero balance billing, a policy that eliminates out-of-pocket expenses for indigent patients in DOH hospitals, and addressing remaining gaps that continue to burden families despite existing coverage.

The DOH reported that it is finalizing its Healthcare Provider Network model, designed to support local government units in providing higher-level care and to improve referral systems under the Universal Health Care law.

Recto underscored that closer coordination among national agencies and LGUs is essential to ensure that healthcare financing reforms deliver tangible relief to patients across all income groups.