Despite the absence of a subsidy in the 2025 national budget, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) has assured lawmakers that it can reduce premium contributions and expand coverage next year to provide better health care benefits for members.
PhilHealth President and CEO Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. gave the assurance during a hearing by the House committee on good government and public accountability. He revealed plans to recommend lowering the premium contribution rate from 5% to 3.25%, aligning with a proposed Senate measure.
“We are fully supporting that reduction,” Ledesma said in a One News PH report, emphasizing that premium rates are governed by law and require proper approval. He noted that the leadership remains committed to introducing enhanced program benefits, set to roll out by January 2025.
Lawmakers expressed concern over PhilHealth’s surplus and reserve funds, totaling over P350 billion. Speaker Martin Romualdez announced that Congress would hold marathon hearings next year to scrutinize the management of these funds.
In response to concerns, Ledesma announced a planned 50% increase in hospitalization coverage for members. He reiterated that balancing financial sustainability with meaningful benefits remains a top priority for PhilHealth.
House Assistant Majority Leader Jil Bongalon urged PhilHealth to focus on reducing premiums, pointing out that its mandate includes lowering contribution rates when reserves exceed operational requirements. He also raised concerns over the allocation of government subsidies, questioning why funds for indirect contributors appear to be diverted to investments.
More hearings on PhilHealth’s operations are scheduled when Congress resumes session on January 13, 2025. Lawmakers vowed to monitor the implementation of reforms to ensure members benefit directly from PhilHealth’s substantial resources.
