QUEZON CITY (PIA) — The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) tagged as “utterly erroneous” the claim of a health advocacy group that 30 million beneficiaries of the national health insurer have been removed from its list.
In a statement released on September 6, 2024, PhilHealth slammed the allegation of Medical Action Group (MAG) as “utterly erroneous, misguided, and misinformed.”
MAG alleged that the health coverage for 30 million beneficiaries, including members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), senior citizens, and persons with disabilities (PWD), for the year 2024 was removed.
PhilHealth clarified that all Filipinos are automatic members of the National Health Insurance Program and are assured immediate eligibility for health insurance benefits when seeking medical treatment at any accredited facility across the country.
It said that the beneficiaries’ assurance is mandated by Sections 5 and 6 of the Universal Health Care Act of 2019, regardless of the annual budget allocation from Congress.
PhilHealth criticized MAG for citing Section 12 of Republic Act 7875, as amended by RA 10606, which required a minimum number of months of contributions before benefits could be accessed.
PhilHealth pointed out that the requirement that MAG cited has been repealed by the Universal Health Care Law, effective in 2019, enabling marginalized and vulnerable sectors, classified as indirect contributors, to access their benefits whenever needed.
The state health insurer urged the public to remain vigilant against disinformation that could misrepresent facts and create confusion.
Likewise, it reassured members and partner health facilities that PhilHealth is collaborating closely with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and Congress to ensure adequate funding for indirect contributors through the subsidies provided in general appropriations laws. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
