In a recent announcement, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) revealed plans to allocate its PHP150 billion surplus towards the improvement and expansion of its services in 2025. This decision was shared during a media briefing in Cagayan de Oro City, where officials from PhilHealth’s Northern Mindanao branch discussed the strategic use of the surplus funds.
Merlyn Ybañez, the media relations officer for PhilHealth 10, explained that the surplus would not only enhance the benefits offered but also cover the premium contributions for indirect contributors, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and indigents as identified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Despite the national government’s decision to allocate a zero budget to PhilHealth this year, Ybañez reassured that the agency’s operational budget remains unaffected, ensuring the implementation of its 2025 programs.
Ybañez emphasized PhilHealth’s robust financial health, stating that members should feel secure about the organization’s ability to provide quality healthcare. She affirmed PhilHealth’s commitment to delivering comprehensive health services to all Filipinos.
Under the Universal Health Care Act of 2019, the national government supports PhilHealth through subsidies derived from sin taxes and contributions from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. These funds are crucial for expanding PhilHealth’s benefit packages and enhancing financial risk protection for Filipinos.
Dr. Francis Ramos, a medical specialist from PhilHealth-10, highlighted that Northern Mindanao significantly contributes to the national surplus. The surplus primarily originates from paying members who have not yet utilized their PhilHealth benefits.