AMID the long list of new and expanded benefits that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reported in his 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA), the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) yesterday assured that it has sufficient funds to finance them.
In a televised public briefing, PhilHealth Vice President Dr. Israel Pargas said the state-run health insurer has adequate funds, as shown by the introduction of new benefits and expansion of the existing ones.
“Before we approve our new benefits or expansion of benefits, there is always an actuarial financial impact analysis. So if the funds can handle it, it is being approved,” said Pargas.
“Since we have approved a lot, it means that our funds can and we can sustain it,” he added.
During his SONA, Marcos enumerated several improved and new PhilHealth benefit packages.
They include expansion of coverage for dialysis, severe dengue, and cataract surgery, as well as the introduction of emergency care benefits.
However, Pargas said this does not mean that PhilHealth will no longer need additional funding from its members as well as the government.
“Be that as it may, we still have many plans to expand the benefits or release new benefits. So we still need help,” said Pargas.
He added that they are hoping the proposed subsidy amounting to P53.26 billion in 2026 will be approved.
“Hopefully, we will be given a premium subsidy this year in our General Appropriations Act,” said Pargas.
The PhilHealth official said they are also continuously appealing to its members to regularly pay their premium contributions so that we can ensure the sustainability of the benefits,” he added.
