ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is set to increase its monthly premium starting January 2018 in an effort to boost the agency’s health programs.
Bryan Jabay, PhilHealth regional information officer, told the Philippine News Agency the increase is pursuant to PhilHealth Circular No. 2017-0024 issued by PhilHealth interim president and Chief Executive Officer Ma. Jude Dela Serna on September 11, 2017.
Per the circular, Jabay said the premium shall be set at the rate of 2.75 percent computed based on the monthly basic salary with P10,000 wage floor and P40,000 ceiling, to be equally share by the employers and employees.
He said the monthly premium will increase from P250 to P275 for those with basic salary of P10,000.01 and below.
The premium of employees with monthly earnings of P39,999.99 will increase to P1,099.99 from P1,000 and to P1,100 from P1,000 for those with P40,000 basic pay.
The new rate will cover members of the formal economy including household workers, sea-based Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), and all employees in the government and private sector.
Jabay said the increase is aimed at providing sufficient funds for PhilHealth to effectively address the health needs of its members, especially lower income individuals. (PNA)
