PhilHealth extends coverage of LGU-sponsored members until March 31 AT least five (5) million less privileged families, whose health insurance coverage expired last December 31, 2011, can still avail themselves of health care benefits from facilities accredited by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) until March 31, 2012. This was announced recently by PhilHealth President and CEO Dr. Eduardo P. Banzon for the benefit of these families who were identified by and whose coverage under PhilHealth's Sponsored Program (SP), is provided for by LGUs and/or other sponsors for Calendar Year 2011. He, however, emphasized that the extended validity period does not entail any additional cost to the sponsoring LGU. Banzon said that this development will ensure the continued health insurance coverage of over ten (10) million low-income and marginalized members of society who are enrolled under the SP. He added that these include the 5.2 million poor families identified by the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and whose coverage comes with National Government funding. To address LGUs' concern over the increase in premium contribution rate starting this year, Banzon emphasized that a new payment scheme will make it easier for LGUs to renew their sponsorship of the indigent families' coverage.  (PhilHealth)