DBM junks fake news: 30M Filipinos won’t lose PhilHealth membership

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos, Philippine News Agency

FILE: BUSINESS UNUSUAL. Philippine Health Insurance Corp. transactions go through the manual process, like in this branch in Mother Ignacia Avenue, Quezon City, on Tuesday (Sept. 26, 2023), four days after its system was attacked by the Medusa ransomware. (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)

MANILA – There will be no reduction in the number of members of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman assured on Saturday.

Pangandaman issued the statement, following the claim of the Medical Action Group that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) “unilaterally removed” the PhilHealth coverage of 30 million individuals, including Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and their dependents.

“Under the Universal Health Care Act, all Filipinos are entitled to health insurance, whether as direct or indirect contributors to PhilHealth. The government subsidizes premiums for those who can’t afford them, ensuring even the most vulnerable are covered,” she said in a Facebook post.

“Claims that millions will lose their coverage are simply false, as PhilHealth is committed to fulfilling its obligations, backed by substantial funds,” she added.

Pangandaman said the DBM’s role is to “faithfully [implement] the national budget,” adding that it is committed to upholding transparency and open communication to keep everyone informed and supported.

She reminded the medical group to be “thoughtful and responsible” in what it shares on social media.

“Every post has the power to shape public opinion, impact lives, and influence the future of our nation. Hence, I urge every Filipino to use that power wisely — to lift each other up, not to spread fear or falsehoods,” Pangandaman said.

“We are serious in our advocacy to counter misinformation that preys on fear and anxiety, undermining trust in our institutions as part of our responsibility to manage the country’s resources.”

On Thursday, the group said the DBM has no power to remove membership in PhilHealth.

The DBM responded to the group’s statement the following day, saying the law mandates the health insurance coverage of all Filipinos.

It added that the national government not only provides premium subsidies for indirect contributors but also grants subsidies to those who are financially incapable of paying for health insurance premiums through the provision of subsidies for Point-of-Service patients.

“Remember that what the government provides is the subsidy for the insurance premiums of indirect contributors and since they are already covered by this health insurance, it is now incumbent upon the PhilHealth as the insurer to pay the valid claims of its members,” the DBM said.

The DBM said it is consulting with its legal team for possible filing of legal actions against the medical group “for purveying malicious and misleading information to the public.”