Section 7.3 of PhilHealth Circular 24, s. 2003 is hereby amended to read as "Newly-enrolled IPP members whose membership to NHIP cover not more than twelve (12) months reckoned from initial date of enrollment may be allowed to pay retroactive premium payments within one (1) month immediately following the missed period, even without fulfilling the requirement of sufficient regularity.  Their entitlement to pregnancy-related benefits shall, however, be subject to the sufficient regularity rule."

This provision is subject to the policy that the grace period can only be availed once in a twelve (12) month period, as stipulated in Office Order No. 99, s. 2003.

This Circular shall take effect 15 days after publication in a widely circulated newspaper and shall cover all premium payments starting from the current quarter.  All other provisions of Circular 24, s. 2003 consistent with this issuance shall remain in full force and effect.

Adopted: 15 July 2004


(SGD.) FRANCISCO T. DUQUE III, M.D., MSc.
President and Chief Executive Officer