By JENNY F. MANONGDO
November 18, 2011, 7:27pm
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation
(PhilHealth) Friday assured that no taxes will be imposed on premium
contributions of its members. At the same time, officials said there
will be no increase in the premium contributions even as officials plan
to enhance member benefits in the next eight months.
"Our employed members' contributions are based on a salary schedule. The
latest range of contribution rates we prescribed took effect January 1,
2007 and until now, this contribution schedule is being followed," Dr.
Eduardo P. Banzon, PhilHealth president and CEO said.
Reports say the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is eyeing the
imposition of taxes on voluntary contributions to social security
agencies including PhilHealth.
But Banzon said there is no need to pay for an additional P1,000 per
month as voluntary contribution.
"At present, we do not have a mechanism that will allow members to
voluntarily pay premiums over and above the premium ceilings that we
have prescribed, in anticipation of being entitled to higher benefits.
This is how social solidarity works and this remains among the pillars
on which the NHIP stands," Banzon said.
Banzon also assured members that there will be no increase in
contribution premiums in the next few months even as PhilHealth will
enhance both in patient and out patient benefits.
"Sustaining the enhanced benefits in general and moving forward with
Universal Health Care (UHC) will eventually require an increase in
premium, a move that is critical for attaining the goals of the UHC
which is to provide financial protection against ill health and reducing
household out-of-pocket health spending," Banzon said.
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