By André Averion, Communications Chair

Published March 8, 2025.

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) announced Feb. 27 its commitment to working with organizations in the United States to push for policy changes that would allow Filipino American retirees to retain their Medicare and Medicaid benefits if they choose to settle permanently in the Philippines.

The initiative seeks to address long-standing concerns among Filipino American seniors who wish to retire in their homeland but currently face limitations in accessing U.S. government-funded healthcare programs abroad. Under existing rules, Medicare generally does not cover healthcare services received outside the United States, except under specific and limited circumstances.

CFO Chairman Dante Francis M. Ang II emphasized the importance of the initiative, citing the significant population of Filipino American retirees who face healthcare challenges due to the lack of Medicare coverage in the Philippines. According to estimates, there are over 4.4 million Filipino Americans in the United States, and a growing number of them are reaching retirement age. Many would prefer to retire in the Philippines, where the cost of living is lower and they have strong cultural and familial ties.

“We recognize the desire of many Filipino Americans to return home for their retirement, but one major hurdle is the loss of Medicare benefits,” Ang said. “Our goal is to work closely with stakeholders in the U.S. to advocate for the portability of these benefits so our retirees can enjoy their golden years in the Philippines without losing access to quality healthcare.”

The CFO plans to engage with U.S. lawmakers, healthcare policy experts, and Filipino American advocacy groups to explore possible changes to Medicare and Medicaid policies. Efforts will focus on urging Congress to pass legislation or amendments that would allow for Medicare portability, a concept that has been discussed in the past but has yet to gain significant traction.

Among the strategies being considered is establishing healthcare partnerships between Medicare and accredited hospitals or healthcare providers in the Philippines. This approach would enable Filipino American retirees to use their Medicare benefits for approved medical services within the country, similar to agreements between the U.S. and certain territories such as Puerto Rico and Guam.

Filipino American organizations, such as the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) and other advocacy groups, have also been vocal about the need for Medicare portability. They argue that extending coverage to retirees living in the Philippines would not only improve their quality of life but also reduce the burden on the U.S. healthcare system by shifting some medical expenses overseas, where costs are generally lower.

Medicare is a U.S. federal health insurance program primarily serving individuals aged 65 and older, as well as certain younger people with disabilities. Established in 1965 under President Lyndon B. Johnson, the program aimed to provide affordable healthcare coverage to seniors, many of whom had limited access to medical services before the program’s creation.

• Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health services.

• Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive services, and some home health care.

• Part C (Medicare Advantage): A private insurance alternative to Original Medicare that may include additional benefits like vision and dental coverage.

• Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Provides coverage for prescription medications.

Currently, Medicare does not generally cover medical expenses incurred outside the U.S. except in limited cases, such as emergencies occurring near the U.S. border or aboard a U.S.-registered ship within territorial waters.

The push for Medicare portability comes at a time when Medicare and Medicaid policies are at the center of political debate in the U.S. Lawmakers from both parties are engaged in discussions over the program’s future, with some advocating for expansions to increase access, while others propose cost-cutting measures to address federal budget concerns.

One of the most pressing issues is the upcoming expiration of telehealth reimbursement authorizations, set to lapse on April 1. Telehealth services, which expanded significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, have been widely used by seniors and are seen as a critical component of modernizing Medicare. Advocates are urging Congress to extend these provisions to ensure continued access to remote healthcare services for Medicare beneficiaries.

Additionally, recent discussions about potential Medicaid cuts have raised concerns among senior advocacy groups. Some Republican leaders have proposed significant reductions in spending, arguing for fiscal responsibility, while others warn that such cuts could negatively impact millions of low-income individuals and seniors who rely on Medicaid for healthcare coverage.

Medicare fraud and inefficiencies have also come under scrutiny. The U.S. Department of Justice recently launched a civil fraud investigation into UnitedHealthcare, the country’s largest health insurance provider, over allegations related to its handling of Medicare Advantage claims. The case highlights broader concerns about private insurers' role in administering Medicare and the need for increased oversight and accountability.

For Filipino American retirees, the CFO’s initiative represents a potential breakthrough that could allow them to enjoy the benefits of their Medicare contributions while living in the Philippines. Many seniors who worked and paid Medicare taxes throughout their careers face a difficult choice between staying in the U.S. to retain their healthcare benefits or returning to the Philippines, where they might struggle with out-of-pocket medical expenses.

A policy shift allowing Medicare benefits to be used in the Philippines could also have economic benefits. Increased demand for medical services from returning retirees could boost the country’s healthcare industry, create jobs, and encourage investments in hospitals and medical facilities catering to expatriates and retirees.

Despite the challenges, CFO officials remain optimistic about the initiative’s prospects. “We understand that this is a complex issue that requires legislative action in the U.S., but we are committed to working with our partners to make this a reality,” Ang said. “It’s about giving our Filipino American retirees the freedom to choose where they want to spend their retirement years without compromising their healthcare needs.”

As discussions progress, Filipino American retirees and advocacy groups will be watching closely to see if the U.S. government takes steps toward expanding Medicare accessibility beyond American borders. For many, the ability to receive Medicare-covered care in the Philippines would provide not just financial relief but also peace of mind in their retirement years.