NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Malacanang Delays Approval For PhilHealth Premium Hike
Photo credit: PCO
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. revealed that the approval for the proposed Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) premium rate increase of up to five percent is still pending.
President Marcos, before departing for Australia, expressed the government's cautious approach, emphasizing the necessity for additional benefits to accompany the proposed hike. He stated, "It’s under review. What we are trying to determine is that if we are going to increase the contribution from four percent to five percent, anong bawi? It’s really a cause-benefit analysis."
Acknowledging PhilHealth's efforts to expand its services over the years, the President highlighted improved benefits, including increased dialysis support for outpatients three times a week and expanded coverage for "Case Z conditions" such as cancer.
President Marcos reassured the public, stating, “So, kung may benepisyo naman, if we can justify the increase then we’ll do it, but if not, we won’t. Ganoon lang kasimple ‘yun. It’s just a very straightforward cause-benefit analysis.”
The Republic Act No. 1123, also known as the Universal Healthcare Act, mandates a gradual increase of 0.5% in the PhilHealth contribution rate annually, starting in 2021 and continuing until it reaches 5% from 2024 to 2025.
President Marcos had previously suspended the increase in the income ceiling and premium rate for the year 2023. The ongoing review suggests a meticulous consideration of the implications of the proposed premium hike on the Filipino population, aligning with the government's commitment to provide valuable and justifiable healthcare benefits to all PhilHealth members.
President Marcos, before departing for Australia, expressed the government's cautious approach, emphasizing the necessity for additional benefits to accompany the proposed hike. He stated, "It’s under review. What we are trying to determine is that if we are going to increase the contribution from four percent to five percent, anong bawi? It’s really a cause-benefit analysis."
Acknowledging PhilHealth's efforts to expand its services over the years, the President highlighted improved benefits, including increased dialysis support for outpatients three times a week and expanded coverage for "Case Z conditions" such as cancer.
President Marcos reassured the public, stating, “So, kung may benepisyo naman, if we can justify the increase then we’ll do it, but if not, we won’t. Ganoon lang kasimple ‘yun. It’s just a very straightforward cause-benefit analysis.”
The Republic Act No. 1123, also known as the Universal Healthcare Act, mandates a gradual increase of 0.5% in the PhilHealth contribution rate annually, starting in 2021 and continuing until it reaches 5% from 2024 to 2025.
President Marcos had previously suspended the increase in the income ceiling and premium rate for the year 2023. The ongoing review suggests a meticulous consideration of the implications of the proposed premium hike on the Filipino population, aligning with the government's commitment to provide valuable and justifiable healthcare benefits to all PhilHealth members.
Feb 29, 2024
