The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) reaffirmed its goal to improve health coverage for all Filipinos by increasing its share of national health spending.
“We are cognizant of PhilHealth’s significant role in alleviating the still-heavy financial burdens that Filipinos face when accessing health services,” it said. In an official statement, PhilHealth said it aims to raise its share of the country’s Current Health Expenditure (CHE) to between 25% and 35% by 2028.
The move is part of efforts to reduce out-of-pocket (OOP) health expenses, which accounted for 44.4% of total health spending in 2023, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.
Government support, which includes PhilHealth and other programs like the Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients (MAIP), made up 42.6% of CHE in the same year.
To meet its goal, PhilHealth plans to prioritize benefits for diseases that are both costly and widespread in the country.
“This calls for alignment with our healthcare providers, professionals, and institutions alike to ensure preparedness for the implementation of benefits, allowing our members to promptly access care and financial risk protection,” the agency noted.
PhilHealth clarified that the CHE share refers to national-level spending and is different from the specific amounts it pays for each member’s hospitalization.
It said that in the next three years, patients admitted to public or private wards should no longer face additional charges for standard ward care.
However, some OOP expenses may still arise from upgraded accommodations or specific provider preferences not covered under standard benefits.
PhilHealth is working to limit these extra costs to reduce the number of families pushed into poverty by health-related spending.
Achieving this target, the agency said, requires strong cooperation with the Department of Health, the National Economic and Development Authority, local governments, and other sectors. “Only through synchronized efforts among government agencies could we successfully achieve health financial risk protection for every Filipino,” said PhilHealth.
PhilHealth also expressed support for Senator Pia Cayetano’s advocacy to lower health expenses and confirmed ongoing collaboration with her office. “You can be assured that PhilHealth will continue to serve so that together, we can raise the level of healthcare in the new Philippines,” the agency said.
