THE Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) yesterday assured its members that benefits they are receiving now will not be adversely affected by the suspension of the premium rate increase scheduled this year.
What may be affected by the suspension are programs and packages set to be introduced and rolled out this year, PhilHealth corporate communication manager Rey Balena said in a public briefing.
“Despite the suspension, there will be no effect on the operations of PhilHealth, and on our overall implementation of the National Health Insurance Program,” he said.
“If there will be effects in the benefits, it will be on those set for rollout this year,” he said.
PhilHealth coverage reduces the costs of hospital charges and professional fees for in-patients, and of hemodialysis, minor surgeries, radiotherapy coverage and other procedures for out patients.
PhilHealth also has the Z Benefits package for patients with breast, prostate, and cervical cancer, and those who undergo kidney transplant, as well as sustainable development goals (SDG) benefits for those with HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis, among others.
Among benefits set for rollout this year, and which may be affected by the suspension, are on the expansion of the primary care benefit package, out-patient benefit for mental health, and out-patient benefits for severe acute malnutrition.
“These adjustments, if any, will be very, very minor,” Balena said.
Despite this, Balena said the state insurer is not likely to appeal the decision of President Marcos Jr to suspend the premium rate increase.
“All of us have been affected by the pandemic. Thus, the action of the President is very timely,” he said.
Malacañang announced the suspension on Monday, saying it will provide financial relief to Filipinos amid economic difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
A yearly increase in premium is provided by the Universal Health Care Act, starting in 2020 at 3 percent, set to be followed by a hike to 3.5 percent in 2021, to 4 percent in 2022, to 4.5 percent in 2023, and to 5 percent by 2024.
The rate hike in 2021 was suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, PhilHealth implemented a raise in the contributions to 4 percent.
If the 2023 hike was not suspended, members’ monthly contributions would have increased to P450 from P400 for those earning P10,000 a month.
