President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on Wednesday that Malacañang is currently reviewing the implementation of the increase in Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) contributions. A cost-benefit analysis is underway, and a decision is expected to be released soon.
Marcos emphasized that the decision will hinge on whether the increase can be justified. He stated that if justification cannot be provided, the increase will not proceed.
The call to suspend the scheduled hike to 5% from 4% came from Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa in January, citing PhilHealth’s sufficient funds to maintain benefits.
In response, Representative Stella Luz Quimbo of Marikina filed a bill last week seeking to suspend PhilHealth premium payments for minimum wage earners to bolster their take-home pay.
The Universal Health Care Act mandates incremental increases in PhilHealth contribution rates, with a target of reaching 5% from 2024 to 2025.
President Marcos had previously suspended the premium rate and income ceiling hike in 2023 amid economic challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: PhilNews24 | February 29, 2024
