NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
PhilHealth Responds To Calls To Pause Premium Payments
State health insurer Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has acknowledged growing calls to temporarily suspend premium contributions, following the government’s declaration of a national energy emergency.
In a statement released on March 31, the agency said it understands the public’s appeal for relief, especially as households face mounting financial pressures. The energy emergency, declared under Executive Order No. 110, has raised concerns about its impact on everyday expenses.
Despite this, PhilHealth clarified that it cannot immediately halt premium collections, emphasizing that continuous contributions are essential to sustain healthcare benefits for its members.
“Kinilala ng PhilHealth ang idineklarang State of National Energy Emergency (Executive Order No. 110) at ang mabigat na epekto nito sa kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayan.”
The agency assured members that access to healthcare services and benefits will remain uninterrupted.
“Sa kabila nito, tinitiyak ng PhilHealth na mananatiling walang antala ang pagbibigay ng benepisyo at serbisyong pangkalusugan sa lahat ng miyembro.”
PhilHealth also cited Republic Act No. 11223, or the Universal Health Care Law, which mandates the continuous collection of premiums to fund member benefits.
As a form of relief, the agency announced a one-time waiver of penalties for unpaid or past-due premiums, covering both employers and self-paying members. It also encouraged direct contributors to take advantage of the penalty condonation program to ease their financial burden.
Meanwhile, PhilHealth said it is coordinating with economic managers and awaiting further guidance from Malacañang on possible additional measures.
“Sa kasalukuyan, nakikipag-ugnayan ang PhilHealth sa mga economic managers at naghihintay ng kaukulang gabay mula sa Malacañang hinggil sa iba pang posibleng hakbang.”
The agency reiterated its commitment to uphold the law while ensuring that healthcare services remain accessible to all Filipinos.
In a statement released on March 31, the agency said it understands the public’s appeal for relief, especially as households face mounting financial pressures. The energy emergency, declared under Executive Order No. 110, has raised concerns about its impact on everyday expenses.
Despite this, PhilHealth clarified that it cannot immediately halt premium collections, emphasizing that continuous contributions are essential to sustain healthcare benefits for its members.
“Kinilala ng PhilHealth ang idineklarang State of National Energy Emergency (Executive Order No. 110) at ang mabigat na epekto nito sa kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayan.”
The agency assured members that access to healthcare services and benefits will remain uninterrupted.
“Sa kabila nito, tinitiyak ng PhilHealth na mananatiling walang antala ang pagbibigay ng benepisyo at serbisyong pangkalusugan sa lahat ng miyembro.”
PhilHealth also cited Republic Act No. 11223, or the Universal Health Care Law, which mandates the continuous collection of premiums to fund member benefits.
As a form of relief, the agency announced a one-time waiver of penalties for unpaid or past-due premiums, covering both employers and self-paying members. It also encouraged direct contributors to take advantage of the penalty condonation program to ease their financial burden.
Meanwhile, PhilHealth said it is coordinating with economic managers and awaiting further guidance from Malacañang on possible additional measures.
“Sa kasalukuyan, nakikipag-ugnayan ang PhilHealth sa mga economic managers at naghihintay ng kaukulang gabay mula sa Malacañang hinggil sa iba pang posibleng hakbang.”
The agency reiterated its commitment to uphold the law while ensuring that healthcare services remain accessible to all Filipinos.
Mar 31, 2026
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