PhilHealth rewards system pushed in Senate
Credit to Author: Marc Jayson Cayabyab| Date: Sun, 2 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0800
MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Loren Legarda has filed a bill seeking to implement a reward system for long-time contributors of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.
In Senate Bill 2964, Legarda proposed the creation of a “PhilHealth Member Recognition Program (PMRP),” or a “points-based rewards system (which) can be redeemed for additional health care services, payment for out-of-pocket costs, better preventive care incentives and even non-medical health-related needs.”
The bill proposed the creation of a PMRP Benefit Fund to cover the additional benefits and rewards accrued. The fund will be financed by regular contributions, reserve funds, grants, donations, government allocations and earnings from investments, among others.
“It empowers members to choose benefits tailored to their specific needs, addressing gaps in the current system. The program introduces the flexibility to transfer earned points to both family members and even non-relatives, broadening access to health benefits and fostering a spirit of support and community,” Legarda said in her explanatory note.
She proposed a PhilHealth “digital integration platform” or a web-based and mobile portal for the contributors to track their points, redeem their benefits, nominate beneficiaries for transferable points and get updates on the program.
Members can earn points based on their premium contributions, longevity of membership and loyalty tiers, according to the bill.
Members can also earn points by availing of preventive services such as annual check-ups, vaccinations, screenings, among others, as a way to promote a healthy lifestyle, Legarda said.
“Many of our workers, from factory employees to small business owners, have faithfully contributed to PhilHealth for years, hoping for comprehensive support during times of need. Yet, they often feel that their contributions don’t translate into meaningful benefits. This bill seeks to right that wrong by acknowledging their loyalty and ensuring they feel valued within the system,” Legarda said.
“This is our way of saying thank you to those who have stayed committed to the program. Their contributions have sustained the system, and it’s time we acknowledge their sacrifices,” she added.
Legarda made the proposal despite the government’s defunding of PhilHealth’s state subsidy in the 2025 General Appropriations Act, as a way to force the state insurer to tap into its P600-billion reserve funds.