Health workers at the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital in Manila work through the long weekend on October 31, 2023. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA -- The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a measure seeking to amend the Universal Health Care Act to improve public health emergency preparedness.

During plenary session on Monday, 191 congressmen voted to approve House Bill 11357 on final reading, three voted against it, and none abstained.

Among the key provisions of the bill is adjusting the premium contribution scheme for direct and indirect contributors of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). 

Under the measure, premium contribution rates for all PhilHealth members will be set to 3.5% from the current 5% and will be adjusted yearly based on actuarial studies, which will be reviewed by a non-government and independent body to be determined by the UHC Coordinating Council (UHC-CC). The same will also be approved by Congress during the budget process.

The bill likewise mandates the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth to provide a mechanism for lowering premium contribution rates.

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If the measure is enacted, half of the premium contributions for migrant Filipino workers will be shouldered by the national government, while the remaining 50% will be shouldered by either the local manning agency for seafarers, or the employer for land-based migrant workers.

The bill also provides that any used portion of the premium subsidy of indirect contributors shall be used exclusively for the increase in benefits.

Another key provision is a revision to PhilHealth's administrative expense limit. Administrative expenses, which includes salaries, are capped at 7.5% of total premium collections. Under the proposed amendments, this will be revised to 7.5% of total benefit payments from the previous year.

Component cities and municipalities will likewise be allowed to establish and/or maintain their own Special Health Funds. The DOH will develop guidelines for the fund in consultation with the Department of Budget and Management and the newly-formed UHC-CC.

The proposed amendments will establish the UHC-CC to expedite the implementation of UHC on the national and local levels. The council will be composed of existing officials, co-chaired by the Health Secretary and Interior Secretary. 

The measure also mandates PhilHealth to maintain an electronic national health records system.

Among those who voted against the measure are House Assistant Minority Leader and Gabriela Party List Representative Arlene Brosas.

"This representation's version of the amendments removes overseas Filipinos workers as direct contributors, and only requires that members can enjoy PhilHealth's program if their premium contributions is paid for at least 3 months within 6 months prior to the first day of the member's availment," she said.

"While the Universal Health Care Act states that failure to pay premium does not hinder enjoyment of Philhealth's program, it also requires employers and self-employed direct contributors to pay ALL missed premium contributions with interest. This proviso dilutes the essence of enjoyment of Philhealth's program and limits equitable access to all Filipinos to quality health care. This proposed amendment is vital to ensure that despite growing cost of goods, the stagnancy of wage increase, as well as the lingering effects of COVID-19 to the economic capacity and personal well-being of Filipino workers, health care is accessible to Philhealth members," Brosas added.