ILOILO City – The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has issued a reminder to its registered members in Western Visayas, especially those who have lapsed in paying their monthly premium contributions, to prioritize regular payments.
PhilHealth Region 6 data showed that as of September 2024, only 77.81 percent of the region’s projected population for the year – equivalent to 6,340,308 active members and dependents out of 8,148,694 – are actively paying their contributions.
Active membership includes those who consistently meet their payment obligations.
Despite this, PhilHealth Region 6 records show that more than 100 percent of the region’s population is registered with the program.
Janimhe Jalbuna, head of PhilHealth Region 6’s Public Affairs Unit, acknowledged that many Western Visayans register but fail to sustain their contributions.
Pandemic’s Impact on Contributions
Jalbuna pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic as a major factor affecting members’ ability to pay, citing widespread job losses that left many financially unable to meet their monthly obligations.
“The data we are reviewing shows the coverage rate of active contributors – members who are not just registered but are also paying their premiums regularly,” Jalbuna explained.
She also noted a concerning trend of members registering but not fulfilling their responsibility to pay, emphasizing that PhilHealth is working on strategies to ensure compliance.
Call for Media Support
PhilHealth Region 6 has called on media partners to amplify the campaign, not only to encourage new registrations but also to remind registered members of their obligation to pay premiums.
“We are asking for the media’s help in highlighting the importance of members fulfilling their responsibility of paying their premium contributions,” Jalbuna said.
Under existing laws, PhilHealth imposes penalties and interest for delayed payments, particularly for members in the employed sector.
Active Membership Breakdown
The region’s 6.34 million active members are distributed as follows, reflecting varying compliance rates across provinces and cities:
* Aklan – 477,512 (76.38%)
* Antique – 462,368 (73.15%)
* Capiz – 613,996 (73.15%)
* Guimaras – 152,921 (79.69%)
* Iloilo – 1,752,064 (83.88%)
* Sara, Iloilo – 348,239 (66.45%)
* Bacolod City – 1,432,452 (85.88%)
* Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental – 573,437 (67.11%)
* Sagay City, Negros Occidental – 527,409 (72.75%)
PhilHealth said members fulfilling their premium obligations are ensured of continued access to health benefits under the program./PN