HB08461: AN ACT GRANTING THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES THE POWER TO SUSPEND THE SCHEDULED INCREASE IN PHILHEALTH PREMIUM RATES, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11223, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE ACT"
This bill amends Republic Act No. 11223, the "Universal Health Care Act," to grant the President of the Philippines the power to suspend scheduled increases in PhilHealth premium rates during times of national emergencies. The bill specifies that subsequent scheduled increases would be adjusted to fall on the years following the lifting of the suspension.
This Act is directly impactful for millions of Filipinos, especially during national emergencies such as pandemics or economic crises. By allowing the President to suspend PhilHealth premium rate increases, the bill aims to alleviate financial burdens on direct contributors, ensuring that healthcare contributions do not become an added strain during challenging times, thus promoting greater financial stability for households.