MANILA – Amidst financial hurdles, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has reassured the public of its solid financial standing and unwavering dedication to universal health coverage. During a recent Senate Committee on Health and Demography session, PhilHealth’s President and CEO, Emmanuel Ledesma Jr., highlighted the organization’s strong financial position despite facing a zero subsidy in the upcoming 2025 budget and a mandate to return PHP30 billion in unused funds to the National Treasury.
Ledesma confidently stated that PhilHealth’s reserve funds, amounting to PHP29.9 billion, are sufficient to continue all programs without any cuts to member benefits. He emphasized the agency’s prudent financial management as the key to maintaining these reserves. Last year, PhilHealth significantly enhanced its benefit packages, with a 95 percent increase in all-case rate coverage, and introduced new packages while expanding existing ones.
Notable improvements include a 1,300 percent increase in breast cancer treatment coverage, a 144 percent rise in the hemodialysis package, and expanded coverage for cardiovascular diseases and kidney transplantation. The Z benefit package now covers 10 rare conditions and includes procedures for both living and deceased donors, with funding up to PHP2.15 million.
Preventive health measures have also been bolstered, with the Konsulta program now including oral health services for members, particularly children aged 0 to 15. Looking ahead, Ledesma aims to enhance efficiency and minimize administrative costs to ensure optimal health outcomes.
Despite the challenges, Ledesma remains optimistic about PhilHealth’s capacity to fulfill its role as the national health insurer and support the goal of universal health coverage. He urged members not to worry about seeking medical care, assuring them that PhilHealth will cover their needs. Starting January 1, the case rates for 9,000 packages were increased by 50 percent, yet Ledesma confirmed that these enhancements will not lead to premium increases this year or in the near future.