MANILA (UPDATE) – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr is “still studying” the hike in PhilHealth contributions which took effect this year, Malacañang said on Friday after PhilHealth said the increase already had the President’s blessing.
PhilHealth President and CEO Emmanuel Ledesma, Jr. on Friday said they will sustain the increase in premium contributions to 5 percent from 4 percent of a worker’s monthly salary.
Ledesma said the Office of the President expressed through a letter that “they pose no objection” to the increase implemented last January.
But Presidential Communications Office Secretary Atty Cheloy Garafil said Marcos was still reviewing the increase.
“The review is still ongoing. The President wants to ensure that any increase in premium will substantially be much more in value in terms of benefits and coverage to Philhealth members,” Garafil said in a text message.
Malacanang in January said the President ordered a study on calls to suspend the implementation of the hike on contributions.
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa himself has advocated for the suspension, explaining that Philhealth “has enough money to continue giving benefits.”
“I want to assure all of you, yes maraming pera ang PhilHealth. But you can be assured, 100 percent that money will be used wisely and reported in detail, regularly with President [Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.],” Ledesma said.
Last month, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Ted Herbosa appealed to Marcos to suspend the implementation of the premium hike.
Ledesma meanwhile said Filipinos will be able to feel their benefits, as the increase in contributions is intended to generate more funds for PhilHealth reform.
Ledesma also said this year’s increase in premium is eyed to be the last, as it has already reached its 5 percent limit
Under the Universal Healthcare Act, PhilHealth is mandated to raise members’ premiums by 0.5 percent every year beginning 2019
Ledesma added that the increase will translate to an extra P35 billion income for PhilHealth, which will be used for more benefits and programs
Meanwhile, Ledesma said PhilHealth is eyeing to increase their manpower from the current 7,000 to 10,000 for reorganization.
PhilHealth has also launched new hotline 8662-2588, with mobile numbers 0998-8572957, 0968-8654670, 0917-1275987, and 0917-1109812 to respond to members’ concerns.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/2024/2/23/philhealth-contribution-hike-still-under-review-malaca-ang-1603
