PhilHealth Targets Higher Hospital Bill Coverage: 18% by 2025, 28% by 2028
2 min read
APRIL 2,2025
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has announced its goal of increasing coverage for members’ hospital bills, aiming for 18% in 2025 and further expanding to 28% by 2028.
This announcement was made during the Supreme Court’s (SC) oral arguments regarding the controversial transfer of P89.9 billion in PhilHealth’s excess reserve funds to the national treasury.
Supreme Court Raises Concerns Over Low Coverage
During the hearing, Associate Justice Jhosep Lopez highlighted the challenges of PhilHealth’s current coverage by sharing his own experience. He revealed that in 2023, PhilHealth only covered P50,000 of his staggering P7-million hospital bill.
In response, PhilHealth Senior Vice President Renato Limsiaco Jr. clarified their ongoing efforts to enhance hospital bill coverage. “PhilHealth’s target for the year 2025 is 18%, Your Honor,” Limsiaco stated, emphasizing their commitment to gradually increasing the rate.
The Supreme Court conducts oral argument on three petitions challenging the transfee of the P89.9 billion excess funds of PhilHealth to the national treasury on February 4, 2025. | PHOTO: Tetch Torres
PhilHealth’s Long-Term Plan: Universal Health Care Goals
Limsiaco further explained that by 2028, PhilHealth aims to cover 28% of hospital expenses as part of the national health financing strategy developed by the Department of Health (DOH).
“As we progress in the coming years, this strategy will ensure better financial protection for Filipino families,” he added.
However, Justice Lopez questioned why PhilHealth’s coverage goal remains relatively low compared to an “ideal case rate” of at least 50%. In response, Limsiaco noted that higher coverage is already being provided in government hospitals, where the No Balance Billing (NBB) policy ensures that patients do not have to pay out-of-pocket expenses.
What This Means for Filipino Patients
For many Filipinos struggling with rising healthcare costs, PhilHealth’s commitment to increasing coverage is a step forward. However, concerns remain about whether these increments are sufficient to fulfill the Universal Health Care Act, which aims to prevent Filipino families from suffering financially due to medical expenses.
With rising medical costs and increasing hospital bills, many citizens are calling for more substantial reforms. As PhilHealth pushes forward with its long-term strategy, the question remains: Will these coverage increases be enough to provide true financial relief for Filipino families?
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