Policy Analysis on Establishing Criteria for Population versus Individual-based Health Services towards Achieving Universal Health Care Leonardo R. Estacio Jr., MCD, MPH, PhD, 1,2 Ma-Ann M. Zarsuelo, RND, MSc, 1,3 Christne Mae S. Avila, MD, 1 Ma. Esmeralda C. Silva, MPAf, MSPPM, PhD, 1,4 Michael Antonio F. Mendoza, DDM, MA 1,5 and Carmencita D. Padilla, MD, MAHPS 6 1 University of the Philippines Manila Health Policy Development Hub 2 College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Manila 3 Institute of Health Policy and Development Studies, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila 4 College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila 5 College of Dentistry, University of the Philippines Manila 6 University of the Philippines Manila ABSTRACT Background. The enactment of the Universal Health Care Act is antcipated to bring wider coverage and accessi- bility of quality healthcare services as stpulated in its objectves. With the integraton of the healthcare system at the provincial level, determining populaton- and individual-based services is crucial in mapping the managerial and fnancial roles. Hence, this study aimed to establish the criteria for identfying populaton-based and individual- based health services in the Philippines. Methods. A systematc review of literature was conducted to generate evidence for the policy brief and discussion points on the roundtable discussion spearheaded by the UP Manila Health Policy Development Hub in collaboraton with the Department of Health. Key stakeholders of the policy issue convened to share expertse and insights in determining criteria for populaton- and individual-based services, intending to generate consensus policy recommendatons. Results. The general scope of individual-based health services stpulated in the Law are to be fnanced under the beneft packages of PHIC and HMOs. Meanwhile, populaton-based services are those that address public health issues such as health promoton and disease surveillance. Several services considered as ‘grey areas’ are those that fall in the overlap of the individual- and populaton-based services. These services may be examined through an outcome-based algorithm that examines fragmentaton issues both in the supply and demand side of service delivery. Conclusion and Recommendaton. Proposed criteria in identfying individual- and populaton-based services include the number of recipient/s, the efectvity of service delivery and utlizaton, and source of funding. Health programs that are in the grey areas can be examined through an outcome-based algorithm. Key Words: Healthcare Financing, Delivery of Health Care, Health Services Accessibility InTRodUCTIon Te enactment of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act supports the right of every Filipino to have access to preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative health services while providing maximal and equitable fnancial protection to the whole population. Te provisions of the law diferentiate individual-based from population- based services and subsequently delineate fnancial roles to Corresponding author: Ma-Ann M. Zarsuelo, RND, MSc UP Manila Health Policy Development Hub Natonal Insttutes of Health University of the Philippines Manila 623 Pedro Gil St., Ermita, Manila 1000, Philippines Email: mmzarsuelo@up.edu.ph VOL. 54 NO. 6 2020 ACTA MEdICA PHILIPPInA 677 oRIGInAL ARTICLE