PhilHealth Celebrates 30 Years of Strengthening Universal Health Care “PhilHealth @ 30: Panatag Kami Dito!”

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) marks its 30th anniversary today with the theme “PhilHealth @ 30: Panatag Kami Dito!” - a testament to its unwavering commitment to ensuring accessible and equitable healthcare for all Filipinos.

As the nation’s premier health insurance provider, PhilHealth takes this milestone as an opportunity to reaffirm its dedication to Universal Health Care (UHC). With three decades of service, the agency has continuously expanded its benefit packages, strengthened financial risk protection, and enhanced operational efficiency to meet the evolving needs of its members.

Expanding Benefits for Filipinos

PhilHealth PCEO Dr. Edwin Mercado

Under the leadership of newly appointed PhilHealth President and CEO Dr. Edwin M. Mercado, the corporation remains steadfast in its mission to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses and provide quality healthcare access to all. In 2024 and early 2025, PhilHealth introduced 13 new and enhanced benefit packages, including expanded hemodialysis coverage, comprehensive outpatient services, and increased case rate reimbursements for critical illnesses such as pneumonia, heart disease, and cancer treatments.

“Tayo po ay tumutugon sa direktiba ng ating mahal na Presidente Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr., at ito ay siguruhing tuluy-tuloy ang ating serbisyo at palalawigin pa ang mga benepisyo,” PCEO Mercado said.

Strengthening Digitalization for Faster, More Efficient Services

In line with its commitment to modernization, PhilHealth is aggressively pursuing digital transformation to enhance claims processing, membership services, and fraud detection mechanisms. The agency aims to streamline healthcare access by improving its online systems, ensuring faster reimbursements, and minimizing inefficiencies.

“Our focus is on efficiency, transparency, and strengthening our actuarial and financial management to ensure the long-term sustainability of PhilHealth,” PCEO Mercado added. “We are also working on reducing processing times and ensuring that hospitals and healthcare providers receive payments promptly, so they can continue delivering quality care to our members”.

A Future of Expanded Universal Health Care

As part of its 30th-anniversary commitment, PhilHealth will launch several new programs in 2025, including expanded outpatient benefits, improved support for severe and catastrophic illnesses, and further adjustments to case rates for medical conditions. The agency is also reiterating the implementation of the “No Co-Payment” policy in ward accommodations, ensuring that financially challenged Filipinos receive the care they need without additional burden.

PhilHealth also continues to work closely with government and private partners to strengthen public awareness about the importance of health insurance and preventive care. The agency encourages all Filipinos to take full advantage of their PhilHealth benefits by staying informed and actively engaging in their healthcare journey.

For more information on PhilHealth programs and benefits, visit www.philhealth.gov.ph or call the PhilHealth hotline at (02) 8662-2588. (PR)