A widow is calling on PhilHealth to review its policies after her husband was allegedly denied benefits following his death because he had been confined in a hospital for less than 24 hours.
In a social media post, Maria Lourdes Sulit recounted the death of her husband, Marvin, who suffered a brain hematoma and died on June 4 after the family was unable to immediately secure funds for a life-saving operation.
According to Sulit, doctors initially informed the family that surgery at Manila Doctors Hospital would cost about ₱4 million. They were later advised that transferring him to University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center (UERM) could significantly reduce the cost.
However, Sulit said the transfer could not proceed because a ₱1-million hospital deposit was required.
Marvin died shortly after midnight on June 4, according to the family’s account.
Sulit said that when she later sought assistance from PhilHealth, she was informed that her husband was allegedly not eligible for certain benefits because he had been hospitalized for less than 24 hours.
She questioned why a member who had contributed to PhilHealth for more than two decades could not receive benefits following his death.
The widow also appealed for a review of existing policies, arguing that families who lose loved ones shortly after admission should still be able to access benefits earned through years of membership contributions.
PhilHealth, Manila Doctors Hospital, and UERM have yet to publicly respond to Sulit’s allegations.
The case has since drawn attention online, with netizens calling for clarification from PhilHealth regarding the rules governing benefit eligibility for patients who die shortly after hospital admission.
Staff Report21 seconds ago
