President Bongbong Marcos has directed PhilHealth to suspend the contribution increase this year.
PRESIDENT BONGBONG MARCOS – The President has directed the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to suspend the scheduled contribution increase this year.
PhilHealth is expected to increase the contribution of its members starting in 2023 as it is mandated under the Republic Act No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care Act.
A memorandum released by Malacañang stated that the President has directed PhilHealth to defer the scheduled contribution hike based on the current economic conditions.
Based on Section 10 of the Republic Act No. 11223, the premium rate for PhilHealth was supposed to increase this year to 4.5 percent.
“In light of the prevailing socioeconomic challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, and to provide financial relief to our countrymen amidst these difficult times, please be informed that the President has directed the PhilHealth to suspend the above mentioned increase in premium rate and income ceiling for CY 2023, subject to applicable laws, rules and regulations,” the memorandum states.
According to a report, PhilHealth and the Department of Health (DOH) said in a joint statement that they already received the memorandum from the President.
READ ALSO: PhilHealth To Increase Monthly Contribution In 2023
The agencies stated that the matter will be discussed on Wednesday, January 4, and more information will be made available after the discussion.
To recall, PhilHealth Corporate Communications Senior Manager Rey Baleña said last month that the increase in contribution will be used to further enhance PhilHealth’s primary care benefit package or the “KonSulTa (Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama)” package.
He added that the agency’s primary care benefit package will provide consultations, health-risk screenings, laboratory tests, and medicines.
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