U.S. Medicare in the Philippines Campaign
Join us!
We, Filipino Americans, medical professionals, retirees and community advocates, invite you to join our campaign to convince President Obama and the US Congress to allow Medicare benefits coverage in the Philippines.
WHY?Hundreds of thousands of Filipino doctors, nurses,
medical professionals, teachers and workers immigrated in the 1960s, 70s and
80s upon the invitation of U.S. medical and educational institutions and businesses
to fulfill the needs of the American People.
Our Filipino American immigrant professionals are
retiring at the rate of 100 PER DAY. They are part of the daily
"tsunami" of 10,000 baby boomers who reach 65-years. Under U.S. law,
they can take their Social Security pensions anywhere in the world. However, the
law does not provide Medicare benefit coverage overseas – unlike private
medical insurance.
With decades of work, they have paid into Medicare. They deserve portability of benefits at internationally accredited hospitals and health care providers in the country of their birth.
WHAT ARE THE FACTS?
Medicare may go bankrupt in twelve years, according to the 2011 Medicare Trustees report.
News stories everyday report the worsening budget crisis facing our government. Because of the deep recession, high unemployment, reduced tax revenues and increasing health care expenses, Medicare may run out of funds in 2024. Social Security benefits may also face cuts or increased requirements.
IS PORTABILITY A PART OF THE SOLUTION?
YES. Medicare can save at least fifty percent in costs if they allow American beneficiaries to be covered in the Philippines.
The current annual cost per beneficiary is $11,743. We estimate that taxpayers will save at least $5,000 per year for each Filipino American senior who chooses to return to their country of birth and avail of quality health care there.
With this estimate of cost savings, if 200,000 retirees choose to reside in the Philippines, the Medicare savings would be $1,000,000,000 ($1 Billion) per year. This dramatic savings could help meet our U.S. government’s investments in job creation, education, infrastructure and small businesses - or reducing the budget deficit.
CAN THIS BE DONE?
Guam Gov. Eddie CALVO (Center) discuss the proposed bill for US seniors visiting PH hospitals with Maribel Del Rosario (L), community leader and Eric Lachica (R), US Medicare PH on 2/17/12.
There are precedents. US citizen residents of Guam because of proximity are allowed to obtain critical medical treatment in Philippine hospitals that meet Joint Commission International (JCI) standards. Their costs are reimbursed by Medicare or by private insurance plans.
Moreover, the Pentagon’s TRICARE and the VA Department's health coverage reimburse thousands of U.S. military retirees who live in the Philippines.
HOW ABOUT ACCOUNTABILITY?
Our goal in 2012-13 is to persuade President Obama to issue an executive order to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to undertake a feasibility study of the cost savings and the quality of care at several internationally accredited demonstration hospitals in the Philippines that will be reimbursed for treating Medicare beneficiaries.
These well-run medical centers could assure the accountability, quality of care, standardization of professional fees and implementation of electronic health records (EHR) to meet Medicare’s tough requirements. Fraud would almost be zero.
ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER:
With the budget crisis we face, our proposal deserves the support of your president, two senators, and congress member. E-mail them at their websites:
U.S. Senate: senate.gov
House of
Representatives: house.gov
President Barack Obama: whitehouse.gov
Ask them to support Medicare Portability and the bill soon to be introduced in Congress.
Former PH President Fidel V. Ramos partnered with US Medicare PH leaders in May 2011.
JOIN US!
Fill-out our membership form in the next page and CLICK
For answers, E-mail: usmedicareph@gmail.com
Or call: 202-246-1998
Maraming salamat po!
ERIC LACHICA, Interim Organizer & Incorporator
US Medicare PH, Inc. 1825 Great Falls St. McLean VA 22101