Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (Philhealth) regional office collected about P2.94 billion last year, or about 2% higher than its target.
Based on the data presented by Dr. Hector Malate, Philhealth acting regional vice president during a forum last week, the annual collection target last year was P2.88 billion as the agency was anticipating that the implementation of the Universal Health Care Law would impact on its collection as the new law specifies increases in contributions of the so-called direct contributors, members who pay regular premiums.
The report added that of the collection, about 57%, or P1.68 billion, were from the private sector, P587 million or 20% from government, P551 million from the informal sector, 3% from sponsored programs with P83 million, and 1% from migrant workers with P30 million.
Based on the PhilHealth Circular No. 2019-0009, the new monthly contributions is 3% of a person’s salary and would increase to 3.50% in 2021, 4% in 2022, 4.50% in 2023, and 5% in 2025.
When asked about the impact of the new contribution rates to its direct contributors, Malate said he was confident that the agency would sustain its collections and that because of the new law, more people, particularly those in the rural areas, would want to become members.
“Filipinos have already recognized the value of PhilHealth sa ilahang kinabuhi. At the time of need, makatabang gyud ang PhilHealth sa ilaha. So even if we’re having a hard time convincing people to become members of PhilHealth, we suspect that the main reason for the 6% na among ginapangita, are those living in the far flung areas, katung mga naa sa rural. That the opportunity to be enrolled to PhilHealth was denied to them,” Malate said.
The new law also changes the eligibility of new members as they are able to benefit from the program three months after their membership is approved. Previously, the member could only avail fo the benefits a year after the approval of the membership.
Malate added that the agency is finalizing the terms of reference of its outpatient package which will offer to members within the year. Under this package, members can seek outpatient services.
