TACLOBAN CITY (PIA) – Officials of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation Regional Office VIII (PhilHealth-8) allay fears of its members assuring them that it has enough funds to provide new healthcare benefits in 2025, pay claims and increase in case packages.
“We are very liquid. We can provide all the increases as promised,” said Acisclo B. Militante Jr., PhilHealth-8 chief for Field Operations, during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on Tuesday, February 11.
Militante said they are focused on maintaining critical services such as inpatient care, outpatient consultation, and preventive health programs. Focusing on critical services, especially those who need them most, minimizes impact on any funding challenges.
In 2024, PhilHealth-8 paid P5.6 billion in claims of more than 600,000 members. With the 50 percent case rate adjustment in 2025, PhilHealth expects to double the claims to at least P11 billion.
PhilHealth also reported there are “no delayed payments” among claims and the turn-around time has even improved to 19-20 days for claims payment ensuring faster and continued patient access to quality care. The state insurer has more than 200 accredited hospital and non-hospital facilities all over the region.
Also, highest claims in the region in 2024 came from moderate risk pneumonia which amounted to P751,799.18 according to Dr. Rosario Suyom, chief of PhilHealth 8’s Healthcare Delivery Management Division. Coverage ranges from P15,000 to P39,000.
She said this may be accounted to increase in pneumonia cases but more so that PhilHealth has intensified its advocacy for members to be more aware of their benefits and these benefits are being accessible and easy for them.
The state insurer also assured that transformative changes are not just about enhanced benefits but also building a strong foundation for universal health care, prioritizing Filipino’s right to quality equitable healthcare. It will continue promoting the importance of social health insurance to ensure everyone has access to necessary healthcare.
In Region 8, Philhealth reports all 4.9 population in the region are also state insured. (ACR/PIA Leyte)
