THE proposed P101.51-billion budget for health insurance next year, according to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), will be higher by P1.28 billion in order to cover more beneficiaries and double the premium of Persons with Disability (PWDs).
DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the substantial increase next year from the previous budget for the National Health Insurance Program (PhilHealth) is aimed to accommodate an expanded pool of beneficiaries and to double the annual premium rate for PWDs from P2,400 to P5,000.
As stated under the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law or R.A. 11223, the PhilHealth is tasked to provide health insurance coverage and ensure affordable, acceptable, available, and accessible health care services for all Filipinos.
Pangandaman said the proposed 2024 budget is a reflection of the government’s commitment to fortify health care services that will benefit marginalized and disadvantaged communities and is also based on insights learned from the pandemic, which is to bolster primary care units across the country.
“Given the lessons from the pandemic, the FY 2024 proposed budget will continue to strengthen primary healthcare facilities in the country, including medical assistance amounting to P22.26 billion to 1.31 million indigent and financially incapacitated patients who are unable to afford nor access quality healthcare services,” said Pangandaman.
The proposed PhilHealth program benefits are slated to reach approximately 12.75 million indigent members as identified by the National Household Targeting System under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD); 8.26 million senior citizens (as per RA 10645); over 15,000 financially handicapped point-of-service patients; 136,000 unemployed persons with disabilities, and 25,512 individuals as identified in the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Peace and Development Program.