MANILA — Executive Secretary Ralph Recto is calling for a review of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) benefit system to ensure that paying members receive coverage that is proportionate to their monthly contributions.
Recto made the appeal following the death of a 47-year-old Manila resident who had consistently paid PhilHealth premiums for over 20 years but was reportedly unable to avail of any benefit package during his confinement.
According to Recto, it is only fair that those who regularly contribute to the system receive stronger and more responsive health benefits.
He said he will meet with PhilHealth officials this week to discuss possible expansion of benefit packages for the agency’s more than 33 million contributing members.
“Under the law, there are different categories of members and benefit structures. We need to improve and expand what is being given,” Recto said in a radio interview.
He acknowledged the frustration of many paying members who feel that their long-term contributions are not reflected in the assistance they receive during medical emergencies.
Recto also noted that indigent members, whose premiums are subsidized by the government, already enjoy full coverage, reinforcing the need to enhance benefits for direct contributors.
PhilHealth currently categorizes members into direct and indirect contributors under the Universal Health Care law. Direct contributors include employed and self-paying individuals, while indirect contributors include indigents, senior citizens, and other government-subsidized sectors.
Recto’s statement comes amid renewed public concern over gaps in coverage, particularly cases where long-time contributors were unable to access benefits due to policy restrictions.
elamigo/xf
