PhilHealth aims 18% hospital bill coverage in 2025, SC to rule on P89.9B transfer

PhilHealth aims to cover 18% of hospital bills for Filipinos in 2025 as part of its mandate under the Universal Healthcare Act.

During a Supreme Court hearing, Associate Justice Jhosep Y. Lopez questioned PhilHealth's senior vice-president Renato Limsiaco about the ideal case rate that would fulfill the UHC Act’s goals and suggested a target of 50% coverage, while Mr. Limsiaco explained that PhilHealth aims to increase its coverage to 28% by 2028.

Limsiaco noted that government-run hospitals already implement a 'no balance billing' policy where patients incur no out-of-pocket expenses.

The high court will hold its fifth hearing on April 3, 2025, regarding lawsuits challenging the transfer of P89.9 billion from PhilHealth to the national Treasury.

Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto stated that returning these funds would add fiscal pressure and potentially affect the government's deficit targets for 2026.