PhilHealth extends use of new payment forms

CEBU, Philippines - In Memorandum Circular No. 6, series of 2010, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) advised its members to use the PhilHealth Agents Receipt (PAR) when paying in accredited collecting banks beginning July 1, 2010.

However, PhilHealth is extending the use of the old contribution payment return forms until the end of the year in view of the needed system adjustments for the full implementation of the PAR. As such, the forms ME-5 and MI-5 used by employers and individually paying members when paying premiums or remitting contributions in banks will be considered valid for use until December 31.

In a press statement, the government health insurance agency said among the banks that have been granted the extension are Allied Banking Corporation, Banco de Oro, Bank One Savings and Trust Corporation, China Banking Corporation, Development Bank of the Philippines, Malayan Savings and Mortgage Bank, Maybank Philippines, Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company (Metrobank), Philippine National Bank, Premiere Development Bank, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, Robinsons Bank, Union Bank of the Philippines, United Coconut Planters Bank, and LandBank of the Philippines.

On the other hand, members and employers who wish to pay premium contributions at the PhilHealth service offices or the PhilHealth members assistance center (PMAC) shall continue to use the payment slip. An official receipt will then be issued upon payment.

To avoid discrepancies in contribution records, members and employers alike should always indicate the correct PhilHealth identification number (PIN) or PhilHealth employer number (PEN), member’s complete name or the business name, type of membership/business, applicable period of payment, and the amount to be paid. (THE FREEMAN)