PhilHealth says payment of premium contributions only voluntary amid health emergency
PhilHealth President Ricardo Morales said in a radio interview those who wish to pay, however, could still do so.
“For those na hindi makabayad, we have adopted ‘yung flexible payment scheme na pwede nila tapusin during the year ‘yung premiums for the year, para hindi sila masyadong mahirapan,” he said.
“Sagutan muna natin itong emergency na ito,” he added.
Morales issued the statement following complaints over the hike in the premium contributions of OFWs.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, who authored the Universal Health Care law signed in February 2019, said the hike was not specified in the law itself, but was contained in the implementing rules and regulations issued by PhilHealth.
Under PhilHealth Circular 2020-0014 dated April 16, 2020, premium payments of OFWs whose monthly income ranges from P10,000 to P60,000 rise to 3 percent of their monthly salary starting this year.
In 2019, premium payments constituted 2.75 percent of the salary of OFWs in that bracket.
Senator Bong Go has called on PhilHealth to delay the hike, noting that many affected OFWs were just relying on the one-time P10,000 in financial assistance being given by government amid the health crisis.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III has also called for the suspension of the hike.