Legarda urges PhilHealth to use surplus funds for UHC Law implementation

Senator Loren Legarda urged PhilHealth to prioritize its surplus funds to expand benefit packages and address gaps in public healthcare access during a Senate committee hearing on December 18.

Legarda emphasized the need for proper implementation of the Universal Health Care Law, noting that with P150 billion in surplus funds, PhilHealth has the resources to ensure quality healthcare for all Filipinos.

PhilHealth reported having P628.2 billion in assets as of October 2024, including P281 billion in reserves and P150 billion in surplus funds, despite the removal of a P74-billion government subsidy.

Legarda directed PhilHealth to identify accredited Konsulta provider centers equipped with necessary screening machines and make this information publicly available to improve healthcare accessibility.

The senator called for operational reforms, faster reimbursement processes, and prioritization of vulnerable sectors to ensure that every Filipino has access to quality healthcare under the UHC Law.

PhilHealth's Corporate Operating Budget (COB) for 2025 is set at PHP284.1 billion, marking an almost 10 percent increase from the PHP259 billion allocated for 2024, with PHP271 billion dedicated to benefit expenses.