MANILA, (PIA) — Senator Loren Legarda has introduced a pioneering bill aimed at recognizing and rewarding the loyalty of long-term contributors to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).
The proposed legislation seeks to establish the PhilHealth Member Recognition Program (PMRP), a points-based system designed to provide additional benefits to members who have consistently contributed to the national health insurance program.
Under the proposed bill, members who have regularly paid premiums will receive retroactive recognition for their contributions, covering up to ten years prior to the program’s implementation or from the start of their membership, whichever period is shorter.
This initiative will allow long-time contributors to accumulate points that can be redeemed for enhanced healthcare benefits, including reductions in out-of-pocket expenses, improved accommodations, and access to preventive care services.
“Many of our workers, from factory employees to small business owners, have faithfully contributed to PhilHealth for years, hoping for comprehensive support during times of need. Yet, they often feel that their contributions don’t translate into meaningful benefits,” Legarda said.
“This bill seeks to right that wrong by acknowledging their loyalty and ensuring they feel valued within the system,” she added.
For instance, a member who has contributed for 10 years will not only earn points moving forward but will also receive retroactive points based on past payments.
The bill includes loyalty bonuses for members who have consistently paid for 5, 10, or 20 years without interruptions.
“This is our way of saying thank you to those who have stayed committed to the program,” Legarda explained.
The PMRP aims to address long-standing criticisms of PhilHealth, particularly the perception that contributors receive little in return for their financial support.
Many members have reported that despite regular payments, their benefits often fall short of covering medical expenses, leading them to seek additional private insurance.
The bill also aims to foster preventive healthcare by allowing members to earn points for availing themselves of services such as vaccinations and annual check-ups.
This proactive approach benefits both members and PhilHealth by potentially reducing emergency situations and costly medical procedures.
To promote transparency and ease of use, the bill mandates the creation of a digital platform where members can track their points, redeem benefits, and nominate beneficiaries for transferable points.
Legarda emphasized the importance of maintaining the program’s sustainability.
The bill includes safeguards such as redemption caps, point expiration policies, and regular actuarial reviews to prevent financial strain on the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
“Financial sustainability is a priority. We’ve designed the PMRP to strike a balance between rewarding loyalty and maintaining the stability of the fund,” Legarda noted.
Following the implementation of the program, PhilHealth will conduct a comprehensive review to assess its financial impact and explore the possibility of extending benefits to indirect contributors, such as indigents and sponsored members.
“We owe it to our long-term members to make them feel their contributions matter. This is not just about insurance; it’s about fairness, recognition, and building trust in a system meant to serve all Filipinos,” Legarda concluded. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
