DAVAO CITY (PIA) – The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in the region has explained the need to increase the premium rate contribution by 4.5 per cent in year 2023 as part of the gradual adjustment under the Universal Health Care law.

Johanna Blason, press relations officer of PhilHealth-XI, stated that the contribution adjustment as stated under Republic Act 11223, aims to fund the expansion of health services for the members and dependents.

“Next year, our premium rate would be 4.5 per cent already. So, started at 2.75 percent, until every year we have gradual adjustments. It’s not increase, but adjustments. This is to fund our programs under the Universal Health Care law,” Blason explained during one of the episodes of the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao.

Filbert Bryan L. Sollesta, chief of field operations division f PhilHealth-XI, further enlightened that the adjusted contribution rate applies to all employed sector and self-paying individuals.

“I would like also to refer back to this year, because this year we’re a little late in our implementation with four percent towards the end of June or July. Our contribution is still computed at three per cent,” Sollesta said.

He added, “This year, naa mi gina kolekta na one per cent and that’s the differential between three and four per cent na increase nato for this year.”

One of the newly-implemented benefits is the Konsulta Package which provides outpatient care and health services such as medical consultations, diagnostic examinations, and free medicines. (PIA-XI/Franchette Delfin)