PhilHealth reviewing laws to improve universal health care

CEBU, Philippines — The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has recognized its need to review the current contribution schedule and make it more affordable for its direct contributors as part of its commitment to providing financial relief to Filipinos.

PhilHealth reiterated its commitment to provide financial relief to Filipinos in light of the socio-economic challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Siniseguro po ng PhilHealth na patuloy ninyo kaming magiging kabalikat sa pagsulong ng kalusugan para sa lahat. Ngayong taon at sa mga susunod pa ay makakaasa po kayo sa patuloy na pagbuti at paglawak ng mga benepisyo para sa mamamayang Filipino,” said PhilHealth acting President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel R. Ledesma, Jr., in a statement.

PhilHealth had previously affirmed compliance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.'s earlier directive to suspend this year’s scheduled premium rate of 4.5 percent and income ceiling of P90,000.

With the suspension of this year’s increase, the premium rate remains at 4 percent with an income ceiling of P80,000.

“A separate advisory will be issued to provide the guidelines implementing the said directive, particularly for the direct contributors,” added Ledesma.

PhilHealth also agreed to the proposals of setting ¬fixed premium rates for some member categories especially in view of the guiding principles of the National Health Insurance Program on equity and social solidarity – particularly on risk sharing among all income groups during the Senate Committee on Health hearing on amending Republic Act No.11223 or the UHC Act, speci¬fically on premium contributions.

The premium rates which PhilHealth implemented from 2019 to 2022 were based on Section 10 of the Universal Health Care Act. Moratorium in premium hikes has been done in 2021, in accordance with the directives from the Office of the President, and in recognition of the effects of the pandemic accordingly.

PhilHealth is presently reviewing some provisions in support of improving the law.

“Regardless, we would like to assure the public that PhilHealth wants nothing but to serve the Filipino with bene¬fits that are of quality, responsive, and equitable in support of achieving Universal Health Care in this country. We continue to call for the support in Congress and enjoin everyone to help PhilHealth be the program that we aim and envision it to be,” ended Ledesma. (FREEMAN)