PhilHealth Assures Adequate Funds to Expand Benefits Despite Zero Government Subsidy

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) announced that it has sufficient funds to sustain and expand benefit packages for Filipinos despite receiving no government subsidy in the 2025 national budget.

Financial Overview

During a stakeholders’ meeting in Pasig City, PhilHealth Senior Vice President for Fund Management Renato Limsiaco Jr. revealed that the organization has an authorized corporate operating budget of ₱271 billion for 2025, funded entirely by direct contributions.

PhilHealth expects to collect over ₱200 billion from direct contributors this year. It also has a surplus of ₱144 billion and a total reserve of ₱281 billion, which can be tapped for additional benefits if needed.

No Subsidy for Indirect Members

For 2025, the national government did not allocate the ₱74-billion subsidy intended for indirect members, such as indigents, senior citizens, 4Ps beneficiaries, and persons with disabilities. Despite this, PhilHealth President and CEO Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. reassured stakeholders that the organization’s resources are adequate.

New and Expanded Benefits

PhilHealth introduced expanded benefit packages this year, including a 50% increase in case rates for nearly 9,000 packages. The insurer remains committed to delivering services without interruption.

Government and Finance Oversight

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Finance Secretary Ralph Recto both expressed confidence in PhilHealth’s ability to manage its operations without government subsidies. Recto added that the Department of Finance will closely monitor PhilHealth’s spending to ensure the budget is used efficiently.