PhilHealth rolls out one-time interest waiver for employers

The PhilHealth has begun implementing a one-time waiver of interest charges on missed premium payments, following a directive from Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., to help employers, self-employed individuals and other members settle long-standing contribution obligations and regain good standing.

In a statement dated Jan. 6, 2026, PhilHealth said the waiver program aims to ease the financial strain caused by accumulated interest on unpaid premiums while ensuring continued access to benefits under the National Health Insurance Program.

“PhilHealth welcomes the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to implement a one-time waiver program for incurred interests from missed premium payments,” the agency said, describing the policy as a concrete measure to support economic recovery and fairness.

The agency clarified that the waiver strictly applies to interest charges and does not cover unpaid premium contributions, which remain payable in full by employers and self-employed members.

PhilHealth said the policy is intended to assist those whose arrears have grown primarily because of compounded interest, while ensuring uninterrupted delivery of benefits to employees and members.

To further ease compliance, PhilHealth is granting a one-year settlement window from the effectivity of the implementing circular, during which outstanding premium contributions may be paid.

Employers who settle their obligations earlier within the prescribed period may qualify for greater reductions in interest, including partial or full waiver, depending on the length of the payment term, the agency said.

For the employed sector, PhilHealth said detailed guidelines for availing of the waiver will be published soon, while implementing mechanics for the self-employed sector are still being finalized and will be issued separately.

As part of program safeguards, employers availing of the waiver are required to register their employees under the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program and ensure completion of the First Patient Encounter, in line with PhilHealth policy.

PhilHealth said this requirement is meant not only to recover missed contributions but also to link workers and their families to accessible primary care services nationwide.

The agency encouraged all eligible employers and members to take advantage of the limited, one-time opportunity and advised the public to wait for official announcements on implementation timelines and payment options, particularly for the self-employed sector.

For inquiries, PhilHealth said employers may contact its 24/7 hotline at (02) 866-225-88 or its mobile hotlines at (Smart) 0998-857-2957 and 0968-865-4670, and (Globe) 0917-127-5987 and 0917-110-9812.