If there’s one word which could aptly describe the month of July for LBPEA NEB it’s ‘chaotic’. So far it is the lowest, toughest and challenging month for the Association with the cropping up of the three issues. First issue- Medserv fiasco; secondly– the‘katotohanan’ issue; and thirdly- the loyalty issue of a few LBPEA NEB Officers.

On the Medserv fiasco, a common stand was made by the National Executive Board and the Regional Board of Governors pre-terminating the contract with Medserv effective August 1, 2009. To meet the HMO problem head-on, LBPEA through series of emergency meetings this July came-up with these urgent solutions: self-insurance and fast-tracking of selection process for new HMO provider.

As an offshoot of this Medserv problem, the ‘Katotohanan’ issue came to be bordering on the integrity of a few LBPEA Officers. Though improper in form and fabricated in substance, it was still a bad issue in circulation.

The loyalty issue is quite disturbing for NEB although in the guise of democracy or freedom of choice. Pre-terminating Medserv is not a matter of choice, it is a matter of urgency by being sensitive to the worsening situation and the sentiments of the members. Unfortunately, our top three NEB Officers-Pres. Chua, VP Meera and VP Lati sided with Medserv but overruled by majority decision. The contract termination was successful.

On top of the avalanche of problems and issues, the fact remains that LBPEA firmly stands on its mandate-to protect the interest of the rank-&-file employees. It is composed of people brave enough to weather the test of time and stamina. The Association draw its strength from YOU, the member...Let us work together towards a stronger and unified LBPEA.

The National Executive Board recently appointed ALVIN D. ARRIZA as the New HMO Committee Chairman. He is also the National Treasurer of LBPEA. Competent, dynamic, quick-witted, workaholic and with proven integrity are only a few of Alvin’s aces on his sleeves making him capable to handle the HMO Committee at present and even LBPEA in the future.

He is the man on top of the whirlwind HMO situation at this time. LBPEA Fund management, HMO reimbursement problems and HMO selection overflows Alvin’s schedule.
This man deserves a salute for his dedication in handling the volatile situation with ease and confidence.

A National Emergency Meeting for LBPEA Officers was held on July 9 and 10 at the LandBank Plaza. In attendance were the Regional Governors and Vice-Governors bankwide. The primary objective of the meeting was to address the problem on Medserv and crafting a common stand.

On July 9, the guest speakers were SVP Simeona Guevarra, Atty. Norberto Martinez, and Representatives from Medserv.

On July 10, the yeas and nays of the Regional Governors were casted on the major issue: whether to pre-terminate or not the contract with Medserv.

Majority voted for pre-termination. Eventually, a Position Paper was made as a result of this National Emergency Meeting.

The contract with Medserv was terminated effective August 1, 2009. Selection process for the new HMO provider is ongoing and will be finished on or before end of August. The new HMO contract is expected to commence on September if the selection process would go smoothly.

Forms for ratification of termination of service contract with Medserv and use of unremitted premiums were sent to branches for signature of LBPEA members. One of the stipulations on the subject document is the authority given to LBPEA NEB to make use of the performance bond forfeited from Medserv for the reimbursement of pending medical claims, refund to EFMs, and other related expenses.

Consequently, the HMO vacuum for August prompted the LBPEA NEB to make a decisive move so as to protect the interest of the members. Thus, for the first time in the history of LandBank, LBPEA ventured on the self-insurance scheme or otherwise known as LBPEA HMO Fund Administration. The objective of this scheme is to ensure continuity of health care services from termination of HMO-Medserv contract until a new provider is selected.

Salient Features of the LBPEA HMO Fund Administration

Out-patient/Clinic Services-strictly on reimbursement basis

In-patient/Hospitalization Services– payment upon discharged (excluding Makati Med, St. Luke, Cardinal Santos, & Asian Hospital)

Qualified to avail: principals and qualified dependents enrolled under HMO Medserv Contract. Extended Family Members (EFMs) are EXCLUDED under this scheme but premiums for remaining months will be refunded.

Mode of Payment-
a) Reimbursement basis-for credit to member’s LBP account w/in 30 days from receipt of complete claim documents by LBPEA NEB
b) Upon discharged-manager’s check in favor of the hospital (net of Philhealth)

Patient/member should notify unit Governor/Unit Representative upon admission and submits the Payment Request Form

On the date of discharge, fax to LBPEA NEB before 12:00noon the Billing Statement(Monday-Friday only).

If discharge is on weekend, partial billing may be submitted to LBPEA for partial payment and any excess will be shouldered by the employee subject to reimbursement.