PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to suspend the increase of premium contribution rates and income ceiling for 2023, the executive secretary said.
In a memorandum order released on Monday, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said the President ordered the suspension of the scheduled increase of the premium rate from 4 percent to 4.5 percent this year.
According to Bersamin, Marcos also ordered the suspension of the hike in salary ceiling from P80,000 to P90,000.
“This refers to the scheduled increase of the premium rate from 4 percent to 4.5 percent and income ceiling from P80,000 to P90,000 for calendar year 2023 under Section 10 of the Universal Health Carte Act,” Bersamin said.
“In light of the prevailing socioeconomic challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, and to provide financial relief to our countrymen amidst these difficult times, please be informed that the President has directed the PhilHealth to suspend the abovementioned increase in premium rate an income ceiling for 2023, subject to applicable laws, rules and regulations,” he added.
The memorandum order was addressed to Department of Health Officer In Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire and PhilHealth acting President and CEO Emmanuel Ledesma Jr.