A proposal filed in the House of Representatives seeks to overhaul a key provision of the Universal Health Care (UHC) law by removing overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from the list of Filipinos required to pay PhilHealth premiums.
The measure, House Bill No. 6355, was introduced by Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima together with Dinagat Islands Rep. Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao and Albay Rep. Cielo Krisel Lagman. Their bill aims to designate OFWs as voluntary — rather than compulsory — contributors under Republic Act 11223.
The lawmakers said their move stems from long-standing concerns raised by migrant workers, noting that the UHC Act’s mandatory premium payments have created financial strain for Filipinos working abroad. They emphasized that OFWs contribute significantly to national development and should not be burdened by fees that many already find difficult to shoulder.
They argued that while PhilHealth membership allows dependents in the Philippines to receive benefits, comparable protection can be achieved through more flexible, optional arrangements that do not disrupt the budget of OFWs who often carry existing health insurance from their host countries.
Since its enactment in 2019, the UHC law has faced calls for legislative refinement, including objections to its compulsory premium scheme for migrant workers. Under current rules, OFWs are categorized as direct contributors, which requires them to remit regular premium payments.
PhilHealth rates have steadily increased from 2.75% when the UHC law was passed to 5% in 2025. Lawmakers behind the new measure said the rising contributions have resulted in unexpected expenses and administrative hurdles for OFWs who already maintain health coverage abroad.
