Marcos Suspends PhilHealth Rate Hike

Due to the economic difficulties faced by many Filipinos, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the suspension of the premium rate hike of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

Marcos released a memorandum and was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin to formally suspend the premium contribution hike.

If the hike is pushed through, PhilHealth members will pay an increase from 4 percent to 4.5 percent on their premium contributions. Meanwhile, the income ceiling will also increase from P80,000 to P90,000 for 2023 under Republic Act (RA) No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act.

“In light of the prevailing socioeconomic challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, and to provide financial relief to our countrymen amidst these difficult times, please be informed that the President has directed PhilHealth to suspend the above-mentioned increase in premium rate and income ceiling for Calendar Year 2023, subject to applicable laws, rules, and regulations,” the memorandum read.

PhilHealth and the Department of Health (DOH) released a joint statement regarding the suspension of the premium rate hike.

“The Department of Health and PhilHealth are cognizant of the decision of the Office of the President to suspend implementation of the Premium Contribution Increase of PhilHealth from 4% to 4.5% for the year 2023,” the statement read.

The said increase started in 2021 under the Universal Health Care Act. The said act enforced an increase of 0.5% per year starting from 2021 to 2025. (ASC)