Understand PhilHealth Contribution & Rates in 2024
In 2019, President Duterte signed the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act into law to provide all Filipinos with access to quality healthcare services. As part of this law, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is set to implement new contribution rates for its members in 2024.
Starting January 2024, PhilHealth members’ monthly contribution rate will increase from 4% to 5% of their monthly basic salary. This increase aligns with the UHC law and is expected to help fund the government’s goal of providing better healthcare services to all Filipinos. Increasing contribution rates will also increase benefits for PhilHealth members, including wider coverage for various medical services and treatments.
However, this increase in PhilHealth contribution rates has also raised concerns among some Filipinos, particularly those struggling to make ends meet. Some have questioned the timing of the increase, given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the economy. Nonetheless, PhilHealth remains committed to implementing the new contribution rates and ensuring that all Filipinos have access to quality healthcare services.
PhilHealth Overview
Philippine Health Insurance Corporation
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, also known as PhilHealth, is a government-owned and controlled corporation that provides health insurance coverage to Filipinos. It was established in 1995 through the National Health Insurance Act of 1995 (Republic Act No. 7875). Its main objective is to ensure that every Filipino has access to affordable and quality healthcare services.
PhilHealth operates on a contributory system, where members pay monthly premiums to avail of its benefits. The premium rates are determined based on the member’s monthly income, with a minimum of Php 350 and a maximum of Php 2,400 per month. Members who are unable to pay their premiums are covered by the government’s subsidy program.
Universal Health Care (UHC) Law
In 2019, the Philippine government enacted the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law, which aims to provide all Filipinos with access to quality and affordable healthcare services. The law mandates the automatic enrollment of all Filipinos in PhilHealth, regardless of their income or employment status. This means that even those unable to pay their premiums are still entitled to PhilHealth benefits.
Under the UHC Law,…
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