Business as usual: PhilHealth Guarantees Uninterrupted Benefits Despite Zero Subsidy for 2025
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) will maintain all healthcare benefits for Filipinos, following the Bicameral Conference Committee’s decision to withhold subsidy for CY 2025.
“We assure the public of uninterrupted access to their benefits. Wala pong mawawala, walang mababawas na benepisyo. Despite the zero-subsidy for next year, your PhilHealth has adequate funds to cover your medical expenses,” assured PhilHealth president and CEO Emmanuel R. Ledesma, Jr.
According to Ledesma, the Committee’s decision reflects its confidence in PhilHealth’s strong financial position. The state health insurer maintains PHP281 billion in reserves to cover benefit payments for two years, PHP150 billion in surplus, PHP489 billion investment portfolio as of November 2024.
This financial strength enables PhilHealth to enhance benefit packages planned for 2025 and beyond. “We adhere to what the UHC law is saying, that the current benefit packages for members will not be reduced. The way to go is up and you can be assured that we will continue to implement our Board-approved plans to improve more packages to lower out-of-pocket expense of patients,” Ledesma emphasized.
The PhilHealth chief encourages members to seek treatment when needed: “PhilHealth will cover your medical expenses. Do not hesitate to use your benefits.”
Ledesma specifically addressed concerns from Indirect Contributors, that the lack of government subsidy will hinder their access to healthcare. “I say again, the benefits of our indigents, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and those from the marginalized sectors are guaranteed, with or without the subsidy.”
PhilHealth’s Board of Directors approved additional benefit enhancements on December 16, including improved coverage for: Emergency care; Optometric services; Heart surgeries; and Cataract surgery and lens implantation. The organization will implement a 50% increase in remaining case rate packages not included in the rationalization track, bringing the total increase to 95% this year.
PhilHealth will soon release guidelines for recently announced packages covering: Acute myocardial infarction; Peritoneal dialysis; Kidney transplants; Ten rare diseases under Z Miracles; Oral health services under Konsulta package; and Assistive mobility devices for physical rehabilitation.
The organization has also completed the rationalization of seven packages among the top ten high-burden conditions, increasing coverage by 100% to 200%.
Under Ledesma’s leadership since November 2022, PhilHealth has enhanced 30 benefit packages over two years, marking unprecedented progress in expanding healthcare coverage for Filipinos.
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