By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation in Western Visayas (PhilHealth-6) is currently awaiting the memo from the central office for the implementation of the five percent increase in contribution.

The hike in premium is expected by January 1, 2024, in accordance with Republic Act 11223, or the Philippine Universal Health Care Act of 2019.

Janimhe Jalbuna, PhilHealth-6 public affairs unit head, said they have not yet received the central office directive to implement the hike.

“Let’s expect that anytime this month, mapagwa kita guidelines kung ano ang aton premium rate nga pagasundon,” Jalbuna said.

She added that the hike is mandated under the law.

They are also expecting an increase in the amount of PhilHealth benefits.

Jalbuna said the contribution rate for this year was supposed to be at 4.5 percent, but the rate that is currently implemented is four percent.

Meanwhile, data as of August 31, shows that 7.23 million or 89.84 percent of Western Visayas’ population are now registered with PhilHealth.

Negros Occidental has the highest number of members at 2,869,761, followed by Iloilo province at 2,368,537; Capiz, 757,589; Aklan, 551,415; Antique, 546,911; and Guimaras, 176,055.

The region’s collection is currently at P3.104 billion.

At least 31 public hospitals, clinics and rural health units in Negros Occidental are accredited with PhilHealth’s Konsulta Program./DGB, WDJ