THE Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) would be required to consider in its contribution rate setting projected healthcare spending and socioeconomic factors, with rate hikes requiring congressional approval, according to a pending House of Representatives bill.
“Premium contributions for direct and indirect contributors shall be derived from actuarially adjusted rates, considering but not limited to, the projected healthcare utilization, cost trends, and demographic and economic purpose,” a Jan. 17 copy of the unnumbered substitute bill stated.
“The actuarially adjusted premium rates, as determined by the annual actuarial review, shall be subject to the approval of Congress,” it added.
The state health insurer should hire an “independent body” to review its actuarial report for the determination of its contribution rates, the bill stated.
The 2025 monthly contribution rate for members stood at 5%, with an income floor and ceiling of P10,000 and P100,000.
“The premium rate shall remain at 5%, and the premium floor and ceiling shall remain the same until the actuarial review has been submitted and approved by Congress,” the measure stated. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio