TACLOBAN CITY-At least 776,299 less privileged families in the region, whose health insurance coverage expired last Dec. 31, 2011, can still avail themselves of health care benefits from facilities accredited by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) until March 31, 2012.
Atty. Jerry Ibay, PhilHealth regional vice president for Eastern Visayas, said the families identified under the Sponsored Program (SP), including those identified by the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) are ensured of their continued health insurance coverage.
“The extended validity period does not entail any additional cost to the sponsoring local government unit,” Ibay said.
Ibay added to address local government’s concern over the increase in premium contribution rate starting this year a new payment scheme will make it easier for them to renew their sponsorship of the indigent families’ coverage.
He said LGUs that opt to renew their sponsorship for two years until Dec. 31, 2013, and undertake the renewal through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on or before June 30 this year, will be entitled to an additional three-month extension of validity date up to June 30, 2012. Under this arrangement, the LGU will enjoy an effective premium rate for a two-year enrolment of only P1,800 per enrolled family.
On the other hand, if the LGUs decide to bring in new or additional enrollees into the SP and commit to provide them with coverage until Dec. 31, 2013, they will be able to enjoy a two-year premium of P2,400.
“However, the new enrollees should be committed into the SP on or before June 30 this year, for the LGU to enjoy this premium rate,” Ibay said.
This innovative arrangement for the enrollment and continuing coverage of less privileged families sponsored by the LGUs was arrived at after several consultations with local chief executives (LCEs) in various parts of the country.
He also expressed optimism that more LCEs will realize the advantage that this new arrangement will bring them, especially where maintaining the health insurance coverage of their needy constituents is concerned.
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