A premier government corporation that ensures sustainable, affordable and progressive social health insurance which endeavors to influence the delivery of accessible quality health care for all Filipinos. PhilHealth assumed the responsibility of administering the former Medicare program for government and private sector employees, with its landmark transfer from the Government Service Insurance System (Oct. 1997) and Social Security System (April 1998). With this transfer came the turnover of the health insurance funds, initially totaling P105 million from the GSIS and P14 billion from the SSS. The amount covers employee and employers’ shares in the medical care program. On the other hand, funds worth P52.3 million contributed by the LGUs for the premium contributions of indigent members, were also entrusted to PhilHealth in 1997 and 1998. In preparation for the NHIP’s full implementation in 1998, PhilHealth obtained approval from the Department of Budget and Management for the creation of 995 regular plantilla positions, a move that will make PhilHealth responsive to the needs of NHIP members nationwide.