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House OKs PhilHealth rate hike suspension on final reading

Published

3 years ago

February 2, 2021

Filane Mikee Cervantes and 'Philippine News Agency

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, principal author of the bill, said suspending the imposition of the new PhilHealth premium rates would provide a much-needed relief from the negative effects of the pandemic and assure Filipinos that the government is sensitive to their sentiments. (File Photo: Philippine Health Insurance Corporation/Facebook)

MANILA – The House of Representatives on Monday approved on final reading a proposal granting the President the power to suspend the scheduled increases in the contribution rates of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).

With 227 affirmative votes, 6 negative votes, and no abstention, the chamber passed on third reading House Bill 8461, which seeks to amend Republic Act 11223 or the Universal Health Care Act.

The proposal will grant the President of the Philippines power, in consultation with the Secretary of Finance, Secretary of Health, and PhilHealth Board, to suspend the implementation of the scheduled increases in premium rates in times of national emergencies when public interest so requires.

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, principal author of the bill, said suspending the imposition of the new PhilHealth premium rates would provide a much-needed relief from the negative effects of the pandemic and assure Filipinos that the government is sensitive to their sentiments.

“While we recognize that the (PhilHealth) only aims to implement the provisions of RA 11223, imposing a higher premium rate to our kababayans (countrymen) under our current conditions will definitely enforce a new round of financial burden to its members,” Velasco said.

He said Filipinos have barely recovered from the losses and difficulties brought about by the restrictions designed to contain the deadly virus.

“These are extraordinary times, thus the remedy needed to further unburden our countrymen are also extraordinary. These are necessary measures that need to be taken in order for us in government to extend help to those who need them the most,” Velasco said.

Under the UHC law, those who have a monthly basic salary of PHP10,000 and below will have a fixed contribution of PHP350 a month starting January 2021.

Those earning PHP10,000.01 to PHP69,999.99 have a monthly premium of PHP350 to PHP2,449.99, while those earning PHP70,000 and higher per month will pay a fixed rate of PHP2,450 monthly.