Palace didn’t object to hike in premium, says PhilHealth chief

PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Ledesma, Jr. (File photo by ARNEL TACSON / INQUIRER.net)

MANILA, Philippines—The Office of the President did not object to the five percent increase in the premium of members of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), according to PhilHealth chief Emmanuel Ledesma on Friday (Feb. 23).

The state health insurer had announced the adjustment in premiums from 4 to 5 percent effective January this year following the Universal Health Care Act.

READ: PhilHealth members’ contribution hikes to 5% this 2024

“After very very thorough study on the premium increase, we pose no objection on the scheduled increase which was implemented on January first,” Ledesma said, quoting a letter from Malacañang.

Asked to comment on a recommendation from Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa to suspend the increase, Ledesma said he “fully respects” but cannot heed Herbosa’s suggestion.

“We fully respect the views of Herbosa,” Ledesma said. “However, after the thorough discussion [and] study for all parties involved, I think it [premium contribution increase] was agreed upon,” he added.

The premium increase took effect in January this year for those earning P10,000 to P100,000 monthly.

Those with a monthly income of P10,000 are to pay P500.

READ: Herbosa: PhilHealth has enough money, premium hike delay won’t hurt

Those making P10,000.01 to P99,999.99 a month will pay P500 to P15,000 in the premium to PhilHealth. Those earning P100,000 a month will pay P5,000 monthly.