PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Ledesma, Jr. (File photo by ARNEL TACSON / 黑料社)
MANILA, Philippines鈥擳he Office of the President did not object to the five percent increase in the premium of members of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), according to PhilHealth chief Emmanuel Ledesma on Friday (Feb. 23).
The state health insurer had announced the adjustment in premiums from 4 to 5 percent effective January this year following the Universal Health Care Act.
READ: PhilHealth members鈥� contribution hikes to 5% this 2024
鈥淎fter very very thorough study on the premium increase, we pose no objection on the scheduled increase which was implemented on January first,鈥� Ledesma said, quoting a letter from Malaca帽ang.
Asked to comment on a recommendation from Secretary Teodoro Herbosa to suspend the increase, Ledesma said he 鈥渇ully respects鈥� but cannot heed Herbosa鈥檚 suggestion.
鈥淲e fully respect the views of Herbosa,鈥� Ledesma said. 鈥淗owever, after the thorough discussion [and] study for all parties involved, I think it [premium contribution increase] was agreed upon,鈥� he added.
The premium increase took effect in January this year for those earning P10,000 to P100,000 monthly.
Those with a monthly income of P10,000 are to pay P500.
READ: Herbosa: PhilHealth has enough money, premium hike delay won鈥檛 hurt
Those making P10,000.01 to P99,999.99 a month will pay P500 to P15,000 in the premium to PhilHealth. Those earning P100,000 a month will pay P5,000 monthly.