MANILA, Philippines — The decision to implement or suspend the scheduled increase in the members’ contributions in the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) is up to President Marcos, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
“We defer to the Office of the President for further updates on the matter,” the DOH said in a statement released yesterday.
Meanwhile, PhilHealth acting vice president for corporate affairs Rey Baleña said they would await Marcos’ decision on the premium rate hike.
“The President is studying the matter. We will just wait for the President’s directive regarding this issue,” Baleña said.
A week ago, PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Emmanuel Ledesma said they were already implementing the adjustment in the premium contribution at five percent for 2024 as provided under the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law.
In a recent forum, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said he is in favor of retaining the suspension of the PhilHealth premium rate hike, noting the country’s present economic situation.
Herbosa said he informed Marcos about the matter and would discuss it during PhilHealth’s board meeting the other day.
“The board finished its meeting around 8 p.m. and transmitted its perspectives on the matter to President Marcos,” the DOH said.
Baleña said they respect the opinion of Herbosa, ex-officio chairman of PhilHealth’s board of directors.
The UHC Law allows a gradual increase in the PhilHealth premium rate at 2.75 percent in 2019, three in 2020, 3.5 in 2021, four in 2022, 4.5 in 2023, and five percent in 2024.
Meanwhile, the PhilHealth is urging qualified health care providers to seek accreditation from PhilHealth as the present number of Konsulta package providers is not enough to attend to the needs of a majority of Filipinos.
Before 2023 ended, PhilHealth had accredited more than 2,500 Konsulta providers, according to Baleña.
However, he said the figure is still low and more providers are needed.