PhilHealth premium contribution hike to push through unless healthcare law is amended — Duque

By Jennylou Canon

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Monday said that
Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) members’ contribution rate hike
cannot be delayed unless Universal Health Care law is amended.

Duque said in a televised briefing that the hike will be
implemented as it is in accordance with the Universal Health Care law which
mandates it.

“Tuloy po ito kasi naaayon po ito sa Universal Health Care
law,” Duque stated.

“Kinakailangan po siguro dito ay magkaroon ng amyendaang
batas na mapagbigyan po ang kanilang nais na i-defer o i-delay ang imposition o
implementation of the premium, contributions rate [hike],” he added.

The Universal Health Care Act mandates increases in member
premiums by 0.5 each year from 2021 until it reaches the maximum 5% in 2025.

Recently, PhilHealth announced an increase in the premium
rate of 3.5% , which was 3% in 2020, of their monthly basic salary.