PhilHealth extends deadline of premiumpayments

CEBU, Philippines —  The PhilHealth Regional Office VII has extended the payment deadline of premium contributions of direct contributors for the months of November and December 2021 to February 15, 2022.

“The extension of payment deadline is in line with Proclamation No. 1267 s. 2021 which declared Central Visayas as one of the regions under state of calamity due to the devastation brought about by Typhoon Odette,” PhilHealth-7 said in a press statement.

Under PhilHealth Regional Advisory No. 2022-004, the extension applies to employers both in the private and government sectors, including employers of registered Kasambahay or household help, self-paying individuals and members under Group Enrollment Program in Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.

PhilHealth-7 said that their premium payments in the months of November and December 2021 shall not incur any penalties when transacted on or before February 15, 2022.

Under the Universal Health Care Act or Republic Act 11223, direct contributors refer to those who have the capacity to pay premiums --- the gainfully employed, self-earning, professional practitioners, among others.

PhilHealth-7 also urged the employers or their PhilHealth Employers Engagement Representatives (PEER) to get in touch with their respective PhilHealth Accounts Information Management Specialists (P-AIMS) for clarifications.

On the other hand, self-paying members may pay their premiums through PhilHealth’s Local Health Insurance Offices or online through the Member Portal for those who have already updated their monthly income.

Self-paying members can also pay through PhilHealth accredited collecting agents, such as CIS Bayad Center, Asia United Bank, Bank of Commerce, BDO Network, Inc., China Banking Corporation, China Bank Savings, Inc., Development Bank of the Philippines, East West Rural Bank, Inc., Land Bank of the Philippines, Penbank, Inc., Philippine Business Bank, Inc., Philippine Veterans Bank, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, Robinsons Bank Corporation, UCPB Savings Bank, Union Bank of the Philippines, and United Coconut Planters Bank. — FPL (FREEMAN)