The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) on Thursday, June 22, announced the expansion of hemodialysis covered session from 90 sessions to 156 per year for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Stage 5 patients.
Philhealth acting vice president Corporate Affairs Rey Baleña said the expansion of hemodialysis sessions is covered under Circular 2023-0009 will be effective starting Thursday, June 22.
“Yung 156 sessions ay alingsunod duon po sa standard dialysis requirements ng isang pasyente na atleast meron siyang tatlong session sa isang linggo. (The 156 sessions is based on the standard dialysis requirements of a patient that one should have at least three sessions per week.) Baleña said.
To be eligible for the 156 covered session, he said the patient must be registered to Philhealth’s dialysis data, and must be recommended by a physician.
He also clarified that, if the patient did not manage to use the 156 session in one year, the remaining sessions cannot be carried out for the following year.
Hemodialysis patients used to only eligible for 90 sessions per year covered by Philhealth, costing ₱2,600 per session or ₱234,000 per year.
With the increase of covered session for CKD5, this will cost ₱405,600 per year.
Baleña also mentioned that non-CKD5 patients can still avail for emergency dialysis, however it will be deducted to the 45 days benefit limit.
“This new policy of Philhealth will benefit CKD stage 5 patients especially those who are financially unstable,” said Baleña. (Nicole Magmanlac)