‘Suspension of PhilHealth contributions possible’

MANILA, Philippines — The premium contributions of minimum wage earners could be suspended, according to the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).

The proposed suspension of premium payments is already being studied, acting PhilHealth vice president for corporate affairs Rey Baleña said.

“We are already studying that. It is a good proposal and any proposal that will benefit our kababayans, we welcome that,” Baleña said in a radio interview yesterday.

On Tuesday, Marikina 2nd District Rep. Stella Quimbo filed a House resolution urging the state health insurer to suspend premium payments made by minimum wage earners, employed or self-employed.

Quimbo sought the suspension pending review of the expansion of PhilHealth member benefits.

Baleña said they are very willing to cooperate with anyone with a similar proposal to find the best solution.

If the suspension pushes through, it will not result in the depletion of PhilHealth’s funds, he added.

Aside from the continuous payments of direct contributors, the government is also committed to providing yearly subsidies for indirect contributors, he noted.

“Our fund is stable so we don’t see it getting depleted,” Baleña said.