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 the United States Congress and President Obama 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) review proposed Medicare 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.
Moreover, the Pentagon’s TRICARE and the VA Departments reimburse thousands of U.S. military retirees who live in the Philippines.
HOW ABOUT ACCOUNTABILITY?
Our goal in 2012 is a change in US law that allows for several demonstration hospitals in the Philippines that meet international accreditation standards to be reimbursed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for treating Medicare beneficiaries.
These well-run medical centers could assure the accountability and quality of care, standardization of professional fees and implementation of electronic medical records (EMR) to meet Medicare’s tough requirements. Fraud would almost be zero.
Accompanying our goal, the CMS could undertake a feasibility study to validate the cost savings
and quality of care over the initial 5 year period.
ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER:
With the budget crisis we face, our proposal deserves the support of your two senators, congress member and the president. Write 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