PhilHealth enhances payment through text

CEBU, Philippines - PhilHealth earlier launched the Remittance-by-Air (RBA) Facility wherein individually-paying members (IPM) may pay premium whenever, wherever through text messaging via Smart and Talk N’ Text.

Under this system, IPMs are allowed to pay premiums monthly instead of the regular quarterly mode of payment. This made premium payments for IPMs more affordable and convenient.

When the system was launched in December 2009, only one payment transaction could be made per month and only the current month can be paid for. Based on its initial implementation and due to numerous suggestions from IPMS, Philhealth decided to enhance the system to allow advanced premium payment.

To pay through RBA, IPMs must make sure that a balance of at least P115.00 is maintained on their mobile phones. This amount corresponds to one month’s worth of premium of P100.00, and a transaction or convenience fee of P15.00.

All a member needs to do is key in the acronym “PHIC” plus his or her PhilHealth identification number (PIN) and send to 7442 or PHIC (Example: PHIC 123456789012). If the keyed in information is correct or valid, the member will receive a text message containing his or her PIN, full name and the month to be paid for. The member will then be requested to confirm download and correct PIN by texting PHIC YES to 7442.

For successful transactions, an amount of P115.00 will be deducted from the member’s mobile phone load. The IPM will also receive a Thank You note for using the system and a Reference Number as proof of transaction. Using this Reference Number, the IPM can log on to www.philhealth.gov.ph to view and print the Proof of Payment.

Provided that the payment has been posted in the member accounts information system, an IPM may also request for a Certificate of Premium Payment from any PhilHealth office as proof of contribution.

When paying in advance or paying for more than one month’s worth of premium, the IPM must ensure a mobile phone load equivalent the minimum phone balance required to complete a single transaction multiplied by the number of months sought to be paid. For instance, if the IPM wishes to pay for premium worth three months, a cell phone balance of at least P345.00 must be maintained, which is equivalent to P115.00 per applicable month.

To pay for the three months worth of premium, the member need only repeat the payment transaction three times. With each transaction, the member will be asked to confirm payment for a particular month.

The Proof of Payment and Certificate of Premium Payment shall be used by the IPM concerned when availing himself or herself of PhilHealth benefits, together with all other requirements for claim application. (FREEMAN NEWS)