Recently, Health Secretary Duque signed the Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR) of the Universal Health Care Law.
Benefits of UHC
Under the UHC, all Filipinos would automatically be a member of Philhealth. It aims to give every Filipino “quality and cost-effective” health services that would help them with financial hardship.
Furthermore, all members will be eligible for a no-balance billing when they get admitted to ward accommodations or basic ward in hospitals.
In addition, there will be a specific primary healthcare provider assigned to each Filipino who will provide free health services through different health facilities.
Premium hike rates will increase by next year
To provide the necessary funds for the law, the rise in the Philhealth premium rate would be necessary.
Apart from the Philhealth premium contribution, funding for the UHC would come from the DOH budget, the PCSO charity fund, the PAGCOR remittances, and taxes.
Just in the first year of its implementation, the government would be spending P257 billion. For the course of five years, UHC would cost P1.5 trillion.
This will be for direct contributors such as in Formal Sector (employed), migrant workers, self earning, and professional practitioners. A 0.25 percent increase in increments every year would be imposed.
Those who have the capacity to pay PhilHealth premiums should expect to see their rates increase from the current 2.75 percent to 5 percent by the year 2024.
It means that a person earning at least P10,000 a month would see his premiums go up from P3,600 annually to P6,000.
Overseas Filipino Workers paying an annual amount of P2,400 is also included in the increase.
Are there additional benefits for Direct Contributors?
According to Health Secretary Duque, no new benefits yet but under the IRR direct contributors are guaranteed additional benefit packages.
“It is stated under the law that direct contributors should receive bigger benefits because they are giving bigger premium contributions,” he said. “There’s no problem with that.”
“This will be subject to an actuarial determination by PhilHealth,” Duque said.
Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer
Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement or affiliation with any government agency.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the completeness of the content nor ensure that all details are current. For any concerns, you can contact us anytime.
For Job Postings: We are not a government entity, and the job listings on this site are presented solely to assist individuals in their job search efforts or the job posting on this website. Users can verify the details of any job listing directly with the respective government agency.
Discover more from NewsToGov
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.