President Bongbong Marcos has directed PhilHealth to suspend the impending premium rate hike and income ceiling for 2023 amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the Office of the Press Secretary announced on Monday, 2 January.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed the memorandum mandating the state insurer to suspend the implementation of the increase of the premium rate and income ceiling in accordance with the Universal Health Care Act (Republic Act no. 11223), based on the memorandum released to reporters by the OPS.

Section 10 of the said law increases the premium rate from 4 percent to 4.5 percent and the income ceiling from 80,000 to 90,000 for CY 2023.

When implemented, PhilHealth members earning P10,000 monthly will have to pay P450 from P400 original contribution.

“In light of the prevailing socioeconomic challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, and to provide financial relief to our countrymen amidst these difficult times, please be informed that the President has directed PhilHealth to suspend the abovementioned increase in premium rate and income ceiling for CY 2023, subject to applicable laws, rules, and regulations,” the memorandum read.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte first directed PhilHealth to defer the hike amid the health crisis in January 2021.

PhilHealth seeks to expand its primary care benefit package through the increase in its members’ contributions.