The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) clarified that claims about the removal of coverage for indirect contributors are "utterly erroneous, misguided, and misinformed," and assured the public that beneficiaries will continue to receive their benefits.
In a statement, PhilHealth expressed its "deep concern" over misleading claims made by the Medical Action Group regarding the alleged unilateral removal by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) of PhilHealth coverage for 30 million beneficiaries, including 4Ps members, senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and their dependents for the year 2024.
“This statement is utterly erroneous, misguided, and misinformed,” PhilHealth said.
PhilHealth also emphasized that all Filipinos, as automatic members of the National Health Insurance Program, are guaranteed immediate eligibility for health insurance benefits whenever they require medical treatment at any accredited health facility.
This, PhilHealth said, is “clearly mandated” in Sections 5 and 6 of the Universal Health Care Act of 2019, regardless of the allocation Congress provides to the program every year.
PhilHealth noted that it is “unfortunate” that the Medical Action Group quoted Section 12 of Republic Act 7875, as amended by RA 10606, which required several months of contributions before one could avail of benefits. This requirement has since been repealed by the UHC Law, which took effect in 2019.
“Every Filipino, especially those in marginalized and vulnerable sectors, being indirect contributors to the program, can access their benefits anytime they need them, as guaranteed by the UHC Law,” PhilHealth said.
Meanwhile, PhilHealth urged the public to be “mindful and remain vigilant against disinformation that aims to misrepresent, confuse, and sow discord.”
PhilHealth assured its members and partner health facilities that it is working closely with the DBM and Congress to ensure that contributions for indirect contributors are "properly funded" through subsidies provided by Congress via the general appropriations laws it enacts.