COA: PhilHealth's P89.9B could have expanded benefits

The Commission on Audit (COA) has stated that the P89.9 billion excess funds held by PhilHealth could have been used for expanding benefits as mandated under the Universal Health Care Act.

In its 2023 audit report, COA highlighted that remitting these unutilized funds to the Bureau of Treasury deprived PhilHealth members of additional benefit coverage.

COA identified two factors contributing to PhilHealth's failure to comply with the law: improper investment practices and delayed expansion of benefits.

The Department of Finance directed PhilHealth to transfer nearly P90 billion in unused subsidies, a decision challenged before the Supreme Court which issued a temporary restraining order in October.

PhilHealth has already transferred P60 billion to the national treasury, leaving only P29.9 billion remaining. COA urged PhilHealth to prioritize expanding member benefits as required by law.