Manila: The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), in collaboration with the Department of Health, the Philippine Retirement Authority, and Filipino-American advocacy groups, is advocating for the portability of US Medicare and Medicaid benefits to the Philippines.
According to Philippines News Agency, CFO Secretary Dante Ang II discussed the potential benefits of the proposal during a media briefing, describing it as advantageous for both the Philippines and the United States. Ang emphasized that enabling Medicare portability would encourage more Filipino-American retirees to return and reside in the Philippines, thereby boosting the local economy. He highlighted the CFO’s desire to reverse the trend from “brain drain” to “brain gain,” supporting the initiative as both feasible and economically beneficial.
Lead advocate Eric Lachica from US Medicare Philippines Inc. stated that the initiative has gained momentum in the US Congress. A bipartisan bill, H.R. 7442, known as the Philippines Medicare Portability Study Act, has been introduced with sponsorship from Congressman James Moylan of Guam and Congressman Bobby Scott of Virginia, who has Filipino heritage. Lachica noted that over 35,000 American seniors received their monthly Social Security payments in the Philippines as of July 2022, and Medicare portability approval could encourage more Filipino-Americans to retire there, reducing healthcare costs and contributing economically.
Lachica shared his personal aspiration to retire in the Philippines, echoing the sentiments of many Filipino-Americans who wish to retire in their homeland. He pointed out the current legal challenge posed by US Medicare laws that terminate coverage if US residency is lost, necessitating a legislative change to allow extended coverage abroad.
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa expressed support for the initiative, aligning it with the Philippine government’s broader goal of reversing the “brain drain” phenomenon. He noted the potential for returning highly trained Filipino healthcare professionals to enhance the country’s medical sector. Herbosa highlighted the contributions of retired Filipino-American doctors who engage in pro-bono work, aiding in the realization of the government’s Universal Healthcare agenda.
Lachica emphasized that the proposed policy could alleviate financial pressure on the US healthcare system amid rising costs and potential budget cuts. He suggested that allowing Medicare portability in the Philippines could potentially save American taxpayers at least 50 percent in healthcare expenses. The CFO believes that the initiative could position the Philippines as a premier medical tourism destination while offering Filipino-American retirees a more affordable healthcare option.