The existence of PhilHealth is service to its members.

This is what PhilHealth Treasury Department Senior Manager Evangeline Racelis emphasized during the Accredited Collecting Agents’ (ACA) Forum held at Cebu Parklane Hotel, Cebu City on January 20, 2017.

The forum was organized by the Collection Section of PhilHealth Regional Office VII to provide updates on collection policies to accredited bank and non-bank facilities receiving premium payments from employers and members.

Racelis reminded ACAs to remit premium collections to PhilHealth on the agreed due dates to ensure that members’ contributions are posted on time. Updated contributions will guarantee members’ entitlement to health insurance coverage when hospitalized.

To ensure that members’ remittances are posted on time, PhilHealth imposes a penalty on ACAs for late remittance and reporting, particularly accredited banks that are already allowed 15 days’ float time.

“Whatever you report to us will be posted,” assures Racelis.

After a thorough discussion on recent PhilHealth issuances regarding premium collection, participants were given ample time to raise their concerns. One of the issues highlighted was the employers’ use of the Statement of Premium Accounts instead of the PhilHealth Premium Payment Slip, as stated in PhilHealth Circular 2016-008.

The forum also became an opportunity for the 76 ACA officers and representatives to be updated on their benefits and rights as PhilHealth members.

“Advantageous sa amoa kay (to us because) we were able to get updates which were not relayed by our head office,” expressed Josephine Layco, Talisay City Post Office Postmaster and Cebu Cluster 2 Head.

To date, there are 690 accredited collecting partners in Central Visayas consisting of 305 banks, 212 CIS Bayad Center branches, 150 PhilPost offices, and 23 SM Retail Store outlets.

For a directory of ACAs, visit https://www.philhealth.gov.ph/partners/collecting/. (END) (Dina Marie P. Cinchez)