The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) announced on Monday, Nov. 20, a significant increase in benefits for individuals affected by stroke, addressing a pressing health issue in the country.
The health insurer underscored the alarming fact that stroke has now become the second leading cause of death in the nation, prompting a proactive response to enhance support for affected individuals.
It said that 70 percent of deaths were attributed to ischemic stroke, characterized by the presence of a blood clot or blockage in the blood vessels leading to the brain.
Additionally, the remaining 30 percent of deaths result from hemorrhagic stroke, which involves bleeding in the brain due to a ruptured blood vessel.
Recognizing the financial burden associated with stroke treatment, PhilHealth has revised the benefits for ischemic stroke, increasing the coverage from the previous P28,000 to a more substantial P76,000.
Moreover, benefits for hemorrhagic stroke have also seen a significant boost, rising to P80,000 from the previous P38,000.
In line with the Universal Health Care Act, PhilHealth assured the public that ongoing efforts to improve benefits will continue.
"Abangan ang mga sumusunod na benepisyong pagbubutihin ng inyong PhilHealth," the agency remarked, highlighting its commitment to providing comprehensive and accessible healthcare for all.