PhilHealth defers premium increase for individually paying members

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
July 22, 2012

TACLOBAN CITY  –  The Philippine Health Insurance Commission has deferred the implementation of the increase in premium contributions for Individually Paying Members (IPMs) from July 1 to October 1, 2012.

Ms. Marimar Zabala, PhilHealth Tacloban information officer, said this includes those covered under the Kalusugang Segurado at Abot Kaya sa PhilHealth Insurance (KASAPI) Program and the group enrollment scheme.

The deferment covers all IPMs, except self-employed professionals and other IPMs whose average gross monthly income is more than P25,000.00.

She informed that this deferment was made in order to give the Individually Paying Members enough time to prepare for the premium adjustment and to allow them to fulfill their obligations to the National Health Insurance Program.

Zabala added that in order to support members further and to ensure continuity of protection, a lock-in mechanism has been introduced.

The lock-in is a privilege granted to IPMs who would like to pay for their coverage until CY 2013 using the current rate of P1,200 per year, Zabala said.

IPMs interested to avail of this option may pay P1,800 on or before September 30, 2012, valid from 3rd Quarter 2012 until 4th Quarter 2013.

Payment transactions made at Local Health Insurance Offices may be accepted until the last working day of September 2012, while those made in accredited collecting institutions may be accepted until September 30, 2012. No additional premiums will be charged during the effective coverage.

IPMs who have paid P2,100 before June 30, 2012, valid from 2rd Quarter 2012 until 4th Quarter 2013, shall remain locked-in and covered.