The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) will terminate the implementation of the Hospital Insurance Plan (HIP) and the Family Hospitalization Plus Plan (FHPP) by Dec. 31, 2012.

According to GSIS, the decision to terminate the HIP and FHPP stemmed after its Board of Trustees found that the Philippine Health Insurace Corporation (PhilHealth) offers better benefits.

Eleanor Gregorio, manager, GSIS Iloilo, said their office already sent notices to the different agency heads and executives of the local government units in the provinces of Iloilo, Aklan and Antique, which are covered by the Iloilo branch, to inform GSIS members about the termination date.

Gregorio said the GSIS will no longer renew the existing policies after Dec. 31 and will no longer accept premium payment due on the HIP and FHPP.

The GSIS, however, she said will still accept and process claims as long as they are filed within sixty days from the last day of confinement in 2012 and that the policy still remains in force up to the end of 2012.

The HIP grants medical care benefits to the policy holder in case of hospitalization due to sickness or injury while the FHPP covers expenses for room and board and fees for doctors, medicines and laboratory.

Per GSIS figures only 7,316 accounts nationwide remain in force until the end of the year from the total 63,000 accounts.

Members who wish to be clarified with regard the termination may contact any GSIS office in the region: Iloilo - 033-337-4308 local 3; Capiz - 621-3127; and Negros Occidental Branch - 4440603 to 06.

Members may also contact the Globe Toll Free number 1-800-8-847-4747 (free landline and mobile phone) or through PLDT Smart Toll Free number 1-800-10-847-747 (free landline; flat rate of P8.00 per call from mobile phone).*PIA