In this discussion, I would like to talk about the Philippine Medical Care Program

began in 1971 following the Philippine Medical Care Act of 1969. Comparing this
to the Affordable Care Act or Obamacare in the USA.
Just to give an overview, The Philippine Medical Act of 1969's main purposes and
objectives are extending medical care to all residents in an evolutionary way within
our economic means and capability as a nation and providing the people of the
country with a practical means of helping themselves pay for adequate medical
care. They wanted to establish a Medical Care Commission. Under Section 9 of
this act which is The Philippine Medical Care Plan. — The Philippine Medical
Care plan shall consist of two basic programs, namely: Program I — For the
members of the SSS and GSIS; and Program II — For those not covered in
Program I.
Beneficiaries of Program I include those enrolled in the Government Service
Insurance System (GSIS) and the Social Security System (SSS).
Coverage: As stipulated in later Act parts, qualified persons are entitled to some
medical care benefits under this program. Goal: Gradually offer medical care to all
citizens within the nation's financial capacity.
Important Ideas: complete coverage of health services according to patient
requirements.
coordination and collaboration between healthcare facilities in the public and
private sectors.
Hospitals, doctors, and patients should all be allowed to continue their doctor-
patient relationships.
Program II: Coverage: Program II attempts to offer medical care benefits to those
who are not covered by Program I. Beneficiaries: People not covered by Program I.
Overarching Goal: Putting in place an all-encompassing, well-coordinated
healthcare system for the public.
Note: Although Program I began operations in 1972, Program II's implementation
did not go as expected.
Meanwhile, The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), officially
known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or simply Obamacare, is a historic
federal legislation in the United States that was passed by the 111th Congress and
signed into law on March 23, 2010, by President Barack Obama. It is the most
substantial regulatory change and coverage expansion for the U.S. healthcare
system since the creation of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965, together with the
Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 amendment.
I currently live in the USA and healthcare coverage isn't free at all. Both ACT has
similarities.
1. Universal Health Coverage for All (UHC):
The goals of the ACA and the Philippine Medical Act are to increase the
population's access to healthcare services.
By guaranteeing that everyone has access to high-quality healthcare and is shielded
from financial risks associated with receiving it, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in
the United States aims to bring us one step closer to attaining universal health
coverage. In a similar vein, the Philippine Medical Act aims to improve Filipinos'
access to and cost of healthcare.

2. Reforms in Insurance:
The ACA brought about important changes to insurance. For instance, It forbids
insurance providers from rejecting applications on the grounds of pre-existing
medical issues. It guarantees that all applicants of the same age and region receive
the same premium price from insurers.
The Philippine Medical Act of the Philippines could contain rules for coverage and
insurance, but further research is needed to determine the exact details.
3. Stressing Accessible Healthcare:
The goals of both laws are to increase access to and affordability of healthcare.
The Philippine Medical Act most likely addresses costs through a variety of
measures, whereas the Inexpensive Care Act seeks to offer inexpensive care
through subsidies, Medicaid expansion, and insurance exchanges.
4. Obstacles & Difficulties:
Notwithstanding these initiatives, problems still exist in both nations: Despite the
advancements brought about by the ACA, around 26 million Americans do not
have health insurance.
There are continuous talks about enhancing the staff, funding, and infrastructure
for healthcare in the Philippines.
5. Impact on Public Health:
Both laws affect the quality, availability, and delivery of healthcare, which in turn
affects public health. Political obstacles to the ACA, such as an attempt to repeal or
replace it, have brought attention to the difficulties in establishing and altering a
healthcare system.
In a similar vein, Filipinos' health and well-being are affected by the Philippine
Medical Act.
In conclusion, even though the ACA and the Philippine Medical Act operate in
distinct environments, their mutual objectives of expanding healthcare affordability
and accessibility show a dedication to advancing public health. Nonetheless, there
may be substantial differences between the two nations' precise laws and methods
of implementation. But neither the US nor the Philippines has achieved 100% free
healthcare to all compared to other countries like Canada, UAE, and Switzerland.

References
H.R.3590 - 111th Congress (2009-2010): Patient Protection and Affordable Care
Act | Congress.gov | Library of CongressLinks to an external site.
What is Obamacare (Affordable Care Act) Marketplace coverage? |
healthinsurance.orgLinks to an external site.
Health Care Systems 101: How Does the US Compare with Other Countries? |
Healthforce Center at UCSFLinks to an external site.
R.A. 6111 (lawphil.net)Links to an external site.
Philippine Medical Care Act (ssa.gov)Links to an external site.