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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOH, PhilHealth open for discussion concerning contribution increase

DOH, PhilHealth open for discussion concerning contribution increase

Published Dec 18, 2022 06:11 pm

DOH

The Department of Health (DOH), together with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), said they are open for any discussions regarding concerns on the anticipated rise in the premium contribution to PhilHealth next year.

“The Department of Health is cognizant of the concerns of the Filipino people due to the potential burden of increasing premium contributions amid high inflation and rising prices of commodities,” the DOH said in a statement.

“PhilHealth is open to proactively working with our employer groups to further assess the situation. Our goal is still to keep within the mandates of the UHC (Universal Health Care) Act, and improve our financial coverage for all Filipinos,” it added.

Moreover, the DOH is also waiting for any instruction from the Malacanang Palace regarding this matter.

“Regardless, the DOH will await updates from the Office of the President with regard to its decision should it decide to act upon the concerns raised by the said premium contributions hike,” the DOH said.

Amid this, the DOH also noted the importance of a “continuous flow of funds from these premium collections" as it is “crucial in funding the expansion of benefits as set forth by the UHC Act.”

“These increases in contributions are planned in line with the expansion of the mandates of the UHC Act, particularly in widening the coverage for health services for all Filipinos. The goal is to ensure that the implementation of the UHC Act is achieved in the swiftest and most fiscally reasonable timeframe,” the DOH said.

The DOH said that the “increases in premium payments shall be used to progressively expand benefits.”

"Coverage for essential health services shall be continuously expanded both in terms of primary and outpatient services coverage for all Filipinos, and improved inpatient coverage," the DOH said.

"Other special benefits shall also be introduced expanding current service coverage for cancer such as prostate, breast, and cervical, enhancing packages for select complicated procedures such as post-kidney transplant, orthopedic implants, and hemodialysis, as well as introducing new benefits related to nutrition, mental health, and physical medicine and rehabilitation," it added.

The DOH said that “these expansions and enhancements in coverage can only be done if there are available resources.”

To note, PhilHealth is expected to implement an additional 0.5 percent increase in the monthly contribution of its members starting January next year. This is in accordance with the UHC Act.

The premium rate will increase to 4.5 percent in 2023 from the current four percent.

READ:
PhilHealth to hike monthly contribution in 2023

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