'PhilHealth rate cut could impact services'

The proposal to slash the contribution rates of Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) members may be detrimental to them in the long run as this could impact benefits and services, according to several economists.

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This view backs Finance Secretary Ralph Recto's stand that PhilHealth should improve on its benefit packages rather than slash contribution rates after the state insurer committed to recommend a reduction to President Marcos.

De La Salle University economist Ma. Ella Oplas emphasized that PhilHealth's proposal does not make sense.

"If they lower the contribution rate, how will they finance the universal health care? From tax or more debt? How will they improve their services?" Oplas told The STAR.

Currently, PhilHealth members are paying a five-percent premium rate as mandated by the Universal Health Care Act.

"I am for what Secretary Recto is proposing on improving the benefit packages and, maybe, do something about fraudulent claims inside PhilHealth," Oplas said.

"It does not make sense to lower the rate, especially with inflation.

Prices of commodities are high, and yet they want to bring down their contribution. Who would carry the burden, the taxpayers?" she said.