THE House committee on health yesterday adopted a resolution recommending the deferment of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) plan to impose 100-percent hike in the annual contribution or from P1,200 to P2,400 of each member for the premium being paid by the local government units (LGUs) effective July this year.
The decision was prompted by the motion of Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone amid fears that this may result to the failure of LGUs to pay the subsidy for their workers.
“On my motion, the House committee on health approved today (Wednesday) a resolution asking PhilHealth to suspend the 100% increase in PhilHealth contributions. I made the motion after various stakeholders aired during the hearing that they were not consulted of the increase. It was also argued that the increase will dislocate some members who will not be able to renew their membership,” said Evardone.
“I hope PhilHealth will listen to the sense of Congress. Reps. Mark Mendoza (Batangas), Rufus Rodriguez (Cagayan de Oro City) and Maximo Rodriguez (Abante Mindanao) filed separate resolutions investigating the PhilHealth increase. I will propose to double the budget of DOH (Department of Health) from P8 billion to P16 billion for 2013 to insure universal coverage and prevent the increase in PhilHealth premiums,” Evardone added.
House Assistant Majority Leader and Davao City Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles also backed the call of Iloilo Rep. Jerry Trenas for the House to investigate PhilHealth’s new payment scheme as he raised the possibility that the country’s only public health insurance system could be in deep financial trouble.
Trenas, chairman of the House committee on good government and public accountability, also filed a resolution seeking an inquiry in aid of legislation on a recent circular issued by PhilHealth. Ryan Ponce Pacpaco
Published : Thursday May 24, 2012 | Category : National | Views : 16
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Published : Thursday May 24, 2012 | Category : National | Views : 15
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Published : Thursday May 24, 2012 | Category : National | Views : 18
By : Joel dela Torre
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Published : Thursday May 24, 2012 | Category : National | Views : 15
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Published : Thursday May 24, 2012 | Category : National | Views : 14
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