PhilHealth Members Need to Pay at least 3 Months’ Premium before First Day of Confinement

(PNA) — Members of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) must have paid at least three months’ premium contributions within the immediate six-month period prior to the first day of confinement so they can avail themselves of health benefits.

This new development is contained in PhilHealth Circular 32, Series of 2014, which made it possible for members to catch up on their premium contributions before the first day of hospitalization.

The policy also applies to qualified dependents of PhilHealth members.

The PhilHealth members referred to in this circular are the employees in the government and private sectors, including “kasambahays” or house helpers and family drivers, as well as self-earning individuals

“We introduced this policy to allow our members more lead time to pay their premium contributions, to ensure entitlement to PhilHealth benefits, so that in times of sickness or hospitalization of the member or dependents there would be no problem availing of benefits,” said PhilHealth President and CEO Alexander A. Padilla.

However, payments made on admission date, during the confinement period or after the member or dependent is discharged from the health care institution, will not be counted as qualifying contributions except in some conditions or circumstances identified by the corporation.

The new policy took effect for all admissions on Jan. 1, 2015.

For other questions, members may call PhilHealth Hotline No. at: 4417442. (PNA) SCS/LSJ/EDS