Philstar
House bill reducing PhilHealth premium rate to 3.5% clears 2nd reading
The House of Representatives has approved on second reading a bill, House Bill 1371, that lowers the PhilHealth contribution rate to 3.5% from the current 5%.
This measure, amending the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act, sets the initial premium rate at 3.5% based on actuarially adjusted rates.
Future adjustments to the premium rate will require review by an independent body and approval from Congress.
Lawmakers have criticized PhilHealth for maintaining a high premium rate despite substantial surplus reserve funds, arguing benefit expansions are overdue.
The proposed bill also seeks to ensure any unused portion of premium subsidies for indirect contributors is used exclusively for benefit increases.
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