The proposed 2027 health budget has brought renewed attention to the need for stronger health insurance coverage, particularly as government officials weigh how available resources can better support Filipinos facing medical expenses. The discussion has centered on strengthening PhilHealth benefits while ensuring that public health funding translates into more accessible care.
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PhilHealth Funding Gap Draws Attention
A key issue in the budget deliberations is the difference between PhilHealth’s funding request and the amount included in the National Expenditure Program (NEP). PhilHealth initially sought around P370 billion to sustain expanded benefits, but the NEP allocated only P74.448 billion.
The proposed health sector budget also came under scrutiny after the Department of Health (DOH) and its attached agencies originally sought higher funding than what was included in the NEP. The funding discussion has underscored concerns that the country remains far from fully delivering on the promise of Republic Act 11223, or the Universal Health Care Act.
During a recent Senate hearing, Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go expressed support for the proposed 2027 budget of the DOH and its attached agencies, emphasizing the broader role of health spending in protecting Filipinos.
"I would like to place on record that I support the budget of the Department of Health and its attached agencies and corporations. The health budget is important because it is an investment in our people," he said.
"Health is wealth. Our people’s health is equivalent to the lives of every Filipino. Many Filipinos also need medical assistance, and this is something that our government must address," he added.
Expanding Benefits and Reducing Patient Costs
Beyond the size of the allocation, the discussion has also focused on how PhilHealth resources are used to directly benefit patients. Reforms cited during the hearing include increases in case rates and the introduction of new benefit packages covering dental services, optometric care, and emergency outpatient services.
Policies that had been criticized as anti-poor were also removed, including the Single Period of Confinement rule and the 24-hour confinement requirement. "We already pushed PhilHealth to implement reforms and improve its benefit packages. I am glad to report that many of these reforms have already been successfully implemented," he said.
Further improvements remain necessary, including continued reviews of benefit packages, faster implementation of Zero Balance Billing, and efforts to ensure qualified Filipinos understand and can access the benefits available to them. A proposed PhilHealth identification system, possibly integrated with the National ID, could also help Filipinos recognize their automatic coverage under Universal Health Care.
Stronger PhilHealth coverage could likewise reduce the burden placed on other medical assistance programs. Malasakit Centers bring together assistance from PhilHealth, the DOH, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, but broader insurance coverage could lessen the need for additional assistance in the first place.
"The greater the coverage provided by PhilHealth, the more we can reduce patients’ out-of-pocket expenses," he said.
The push also includes continued funding for the Cancer Assistance Fund, health facilities, regional specialty centers, and the hiring and retention of healthcare workers. The broader objective is to ensure that health spending addresses both immediate patient needs and the country’s long-term healthcare capacity.
"I hope we reach a point where Filipinos are no longer afraid to go to the hospital," Go said.
For the average Filipino, stronger PhilHealth coverage can directly affect whether a medical concern is addressed promptly or postponed because of financial pressure. Ensuring that public health funds support accessible benefits and adequate healthcare services could help reduce the burden of hospital costs while strengthening the country’s ability to provide essential care.
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