The Marcos administration is proposing P74.45 billion for the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) in 2027, including P19 billion for enhanced benefits intended to reduce patients’ out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the proposed allocation would support improvements in PhilHealth benefits, including coverage for priority health needs such as mental health and severe malnutrition.
“Dahil batid ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. ang bigat ng medical expenses para sa mga pamilyang Pilipino. Ang panukalang pondo ay gagamitin sa pagpapaganda ng benefits ng PhilHealth. Kabilang din ang priority health needs gaya ng mental health and severe malnutrition,” Castro said.
The proposed funding would also cover national government premium subsidies for qualified PhilHealth beneficiaries, whose number is projected to reach 11 million by 2027.
The additional allocation comes as the government seeks to strengthen financial protection for households facing hospitalization, treatment, and other healthcare costs.
During the Handog ng Pangulo program on Sept. 14, Health Secretary Edwin Mercado visited the Philippine General Hospital to observe the delivery of free medical services to patients.
Patients also received assistance through the government’s Zero Balance Billing policy, PhilHealth benefits, and the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients program.
The Palace said the programs have benefited patients at 84 hospitals operated by the Department of Health and 44 hospitals run by local government units.
The proposed PhilHealth allocation forms part of the administration’s broader health spending plan, with the government seeking to expand coverage while lowering the direct financial burden of medical care on Filipino families.
For patients, the impact will depend not only on the size of the allocation but also on how the additional funding is translated into higher benefit packages and lower amounts paid at the point of care.
