Duque: PhilHealth contribution hike to proceed unless UHC is amended

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The increase in Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) members’ contribution rate cannot be delayed unless the Universal Health Care law, which mandates it, is amended, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Monday.

“Tuloy po ito kasi naaayon po ito sa Universal Health Care law,” Duque said in a televised briefing, when asked if the premium rate hike will continue despite appeals to defer its implementation.

(This will proceed because it is according to the Universal Health Care law.)

“Kinakailangan po siguro dito ay magkaroon ng amyenda ang 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.

(What is needed is for the law to be amended to allow the calls to defer or delay the imposition or implementation of the premium, contributions rate hike.)

This year, the premium rate of PhilHealth members will increase to 3.5 percent of their monthly basic salary from 3 percent in 2020.

According to PhilHealth, the Universal Health Care Act mandates increases in member premiums by 0.5 every year, beginning 2021 until it reaches the 5-percent limit in 2025.

President Rodrigo Duterte is in favor of delaying the implementation of the PhilHealth premium rate hike, according to his former aide and Senator Christopher “Bong” Go.

JPV