Senior citizen wrongly declared dead in PhilHealth records

Romeo Bilbar, 73, was mistakenly listed as deceased in the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) records, which could render him ineligible for benefits.

According to Emil Sumangil’s Friday report on 24 Oras’ “Kapuso Action Man,” the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority employee discovered the error at an MMDA clinic while renewing his medical clearance.

“Bale pumunta po ako sa medical clinic namin at ipinakita sa akin ng secretary. Kasi ang mga senior citizen, kailangan bago makapag-renew kailangan maayos ang clearance sa medical. Nabasa ko na inilabas nila na ang Romeo Bilbar ay deceased na,” he said.

(I went to our clinic, and the secretary showed me the record. Senior citizens need a medical clearance for renewals. I saw that my name was listed as deceased.)

“Hirap tanggapin na buhay pa ko tapos pinapatay ako ng isang ahensiya.”

(It’s hard to accept that a government agency has declared me dead, yet I’m alive.)

The PhilHealth Regional Office-NCR South Branch apologized, confirming that Bilbar remained an active member through his employer.

“We would like to apologize for the inconvenience caused Mr. Bilbar regarding the incident. Upon verification with our membership database, the status of his membership is ‘Active’ as Direct Contributor-Self Earning Individual-Under the Group Enrollment Scheme of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority,” the PhilHealth branch said in its letter.

PhilHealth assured that his status had been corrected and that he could proceed with his Konsulta registration without affecting his benefits. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/DVM, GMA Integrated News