PhilHealth loses state subsidy but has surplus funds

Lawmakers have decided to deny PhilHealth its planned state subsidy for next year, prompting calls from representatives to lower premium contributions and increase benefits.

Party-list Rep. Arlene D. Brosas warned that ordinary workers will now need to fund PhilHealth's entire operations without government support, leaving senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and indigent Filipinos vulnerable.

PhilHealth President Emmanuel Ledesma Jr committed to recommending a decrease in premium contributions from the current 5% to potentially as low as 3.25%, aligning with a Senate bill.

Despite losing its government subsidy, PhilHealth emphasized that it has a surplus of P150 billion and total reserves of P200 billion, complemented by an investment fund of nearly P489 billion.

PhilHealth assured continued benefits for members despite the loss of state support, with Health Secretary Teddy Herbosa approving a corporate operating budget of P284 billion for PhilHealth next year.