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House OKs proposed amendments to UHC law

<p><em>(PNA file photo by Joan Bondoc)</em></p>
(PNA file photo by Joan Bondoc) 

MANILA – The House of Representatives on Monday night approved on third reading a bill aimed at strengthening the country’s healthcare system to improve efficiency, equity, and public health emergency preparedness.

With 191 affirmative votes, three negative votes, and no abstentions, the chamber passed House Bill 11357, which seeks to amend Republic Act 11223 or the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act.

The bill is a priority measure under the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).

The House-proposed amendments include setting the premium contribution rates for all Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) members at 3.5 percent from the current 5 percent rate, which would be adjusted on an annual basis based on actuarial studies to be reviewed by a non-government, impartial, and credible independent body and approved by Congress during the budget process.

Migrant workers, whether land- or sea-based, would also no longer have to pay any premiums. Their employers would be required to shoulder 50 percent of what their due is while the national government shoulders the rest.

To ensure financial sustainability, the bill prohibits the transfer of PhilHealth reserve funds or income to the national government or any government-owned or -controlled corporation.

Additionally, unused portions of premium subsidies for indirect contributors must be allocated exclusively for benefit increases.

The measure also caps PhilHealth’s administrative expenses at 7.5 percent of total reimbursements or healthcare costs paid in the previous year.

It seeks to foster competition and innovation in healthcare delivery by allowing public-private partnerships and competitive bidding for the provision of PhilHealth benefits to selected membership groups.

Local government units (LGUs), including cities and municipalities, would be granted the authority to establish or maintain Special Health Funds, which aim to enhance localized healthcare services.

To improve healthcare coordination, the bill proposes the establishment of the Universal Health Care Coordinating Council, which will oversee the accelerated implementation of the UHC Act and serve as a policy and operational collaboration hub among relevant agencies and organizations.

Other provisions include strengthening the Health Technology Assessment process, mandating PhilHealth to maintain an Electronic National Health Records System, and imposing stricter penalties for violations of the UHC Act. — Filane Mikee Cervantes  (PNA)

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Credit belongs to: www.pna.gov.ph

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