MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) has thrown its full support behind efforts to allow Filipino-American retirees to continue enjoying their Medicare health benefits even when they live outside the United States—especially in the Philippines.
Why Is This Important?
Medicare is a US federal health insurance program designed for people aged 65 and older. Right now, it only covers medical expenses within the US, making it difficult for Filipino-American retirees who want to spend their retirement in the Philippines.
The CFO, along with other Philippine government agencies, has now teamed up with USMedicarePH, a group of Filipino-Americans lobbying for Medicare coverage abroad.
CFO’s Goal: Bring Filipinos Back Home
CFO Secretary Dante Ang II said the main reason for supporting this initiative is to encourage more Filipinos overseas to return home.
“We want to change the story from ‘brain drain’ to ‘brain gain’—bringing skilled and experienced Filipinos back to the country,” Ang said in a press briefing.
He added that if Medicare becomes accessible in the Philippines, it will not only benefit Fil-Am retirees but also help both the US and the Philippines financially.
A Bill to Make This Happen
In the US Congress, Guam Congressman James Moylan has already introduced a bill called H.R. 7442 or the Philippine Medicare Portability Study Act. This aims to study whether Medicare coverage can be extended to services in the Philippines and how much it would cost.
Eric Lachica, a leader of USMedicarePH, believes this plan would save US taxpayers at least 50% while giving Fil-Am seniors a more affordable and comfortable retirement in their homeland.
He is hopeful that more US lawmakers will support the bill, saying:
“This is the first time we have a bill with bipartisan support—Republican Congressman Moylan and Democratic Congressman Bobby Scott. With a full two-year congressional cycle, we have a better chance of passing it.”
Millions of Filipinos Could Benefit
According to the CFO, the United States has been the top destination for Filipino emigrants for over four decades, with over one million Filipinos moving there between 1981 and 2022.
Additionally, more than four million Filipinos are permanent residents in the Americas as of 2021, making this issue highly relevant.
A Win for Healthcare Too
Philippine Health Secretary Ted Herbosa highlighted another benefit: allowing Medicare in the Philippines could encourage experienced Filipino nurses and doctors to return home.
“These nurses and doctors were trained in the US and have high-level expertise. If they come back, they can teach younger Filipino healthcare workers and improve our healthcare system,” Herbosa explained.
He called this “return migration”, where Filipino medical professionals who left the country can bring their skills back and mentor the next generation.
“We lost them through brain drain, but if we push for Medicare portability, they will come home,” he added.
What’s Next?
The fight for Medicare portability is gaining momentum, with both the Philippine government and Fil-Am groups pushing for change. If successful, this initiative could allow thousands of Filipino-American retirees to return home without losing their healthcare benefits, while also boosting the Philippine economy and healthcare system.
Will the US government approve the plan? Many are watching closely.
