THE Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) today reminded its members to ensure active membership in the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) to avoid unnecessary hassles when the need to avail of the benefits arises.
Through PhilHealth Circular 2017-0007 published last June 12, 2017, PhilHealth defined active members as all registered members who have qualifying contributions and sufficient regularity of payment and are entitled to receive PhilHealth benefits. Qualifying contributions refer to the minimum number of premium payment required to be granted coverage, while sufficient regularity of payment means a pattern characterized by consistent remittance of premium contributions.
On the other hand, an inactive member is defined as a registered member who has no qualifying contributions and is not entitled to avail of PhilHealth benefits.
The Circular emphasized that all active members can no longer be declared as dependents, and that only inactive members can be declared as dependents. This is pursuant to PhilHealth Board Resolution No. 2160, s. 2016 or the Resolution Approving Shifting from Member to Dependent or Vice Versa and Definition of Terms for Active and Inactive Membership Status.
PhilHealth members only need to ascertain that their Member Data Records (MDRs) are updated, and that premiums are paid or paid for, to obtain a comprehensive set of benefits that will ensure economic relief when medical attention, treatment and management are needed. Confinements should also be in PhilHealth-accredited health care institutions, and attending physicians should be accredited, as well.
Benefits are guaranteed to active members for medical confinements and procedures, selected out-patient surgeries, and catastrophic illnesses. In addition, these benefits are all extended to their qualified dependents.
Inactive members who wish to reactivate their membership status may visit the nearest PhilHealth Regional or Local Health Insurance Office. Further inquiries may also be sent to the Corporate Action Center at (02) 441-7442 or through email actioncenter@philhealth .gov.ph. (Jan Joseph C. Rico)
(Reference: Dr. Israel Francis A. Pargas, Head Executive Assistant and Concurrent OIC-Vice President for Corporate Affairs Group, Tel. 0917-8089399)