PhilHealth to maintain services with P284B budget despite no gov't subsidy

PhilHealth President and CEO Emmanuel R. Ledesma Jr., alongside Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto, assured lawmakers that PhilHealth is financially robust despite proposed zero government subsidy for 2025.

With a P150 billion surplus and P281 billion in reserves as of October 2024, the organization has approved a P284-billion corporate operating budget for next year, ensuring continued services without subsidies.

PhilHealth will still cover health benefits for indirect contributors such as indigent individuals, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and rebel returnees, according to DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.

The 2025 budget allocates P271 billion for benefits expenses, maintaining coverage for PhilHealth Konsulta packages, hemodialysis sessions, emergency care services, outpatient mental health, and other outpatient packages.

PhilHealth's administrative expenses will increase by 3% to P12.5 billion in 2025, while capital expenditures will drop significantly to P259 million.