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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PhilHealth unveils expanded healthcare benefits

PhilHealth unveils expanded healthcare benefits

Published Oct 8, 2024 10:03 am

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has unveiled a new initiative aimed at enhancing healthcare access for Filipinos.

The campaign, titled “Pinalawak at mga Bagong Benepisyo para sa Mamamayan, damang-dama ng bawat Pilipino,” seeks to ensure that every Filipino can access essential medical treatments without the burden of high costs.

PhilHealth President and CEO Emmanuel R. Ledesma Jr. reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to providing“life-saving medical treatments without being financially overwhelmed” during an event on Monday, Oct. 7.

“Ito ang mensahe ng PhilHealth sa ating mga kababayan, huwag po kayong matakot sa gastos sa pagkakasakit, sagot kayo ng PhilHealth (This is PhilHealth’s message to our fellow citizens. Do not be afraid of the costs associated with illness. PhilHealth has you covered),” Ledesma said.

He said PhilHealth is focusing on expanding coverage for the 10 most prevalent and severe diseases in the Philippines, including pneumonia, severe dengue, stroke, chronic kidney disease, and various cancers. 

Currently, 60 percent of these conditions are covered under the expanded benefits that allow for improved access to treatment for illnesses such as pneumonia, asthma, stroke, and neonatal sepsis.

By 2025, PhilHealth plans to roll out enhanced coverage specifically for patients undergoing chemotherapy for lung, liver, ovarian, and prostate cancers.

The initiative is a critical part of PhilHealth's Universal Health Care (UHC) mandate, designed to prevent families from falling into poverty due to medical expenses.

PhilHealth also highlighted being the first agency in the Asia-Pacific region to offer an outpatient therapeutic care package for Severe Acute Malnutrition, launched on Oct. 1. This package aims to reduce child malnutrition and alleviate financial stress on families.

To further improve its patient-centered approach, PhilHealth has lifted the Single Period of Confinement (SPC) rule, allowing members who require extended care to avoid incurring additional costs.

In addition, benefits for hemodialysis have increased by 59 percent, providing nearly P1 million in annual coverage for affected members.

PhilHealth is also adopting digital technology to streamline its service delivery.

It said partnerships with the Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Health, and Philippine Statistics Authority will help improve Filipinos' access to services, including those in remote areas.

The “Konsulta” primary care benefit package will also be enhanced to provide free consultations, diagnostic tests, and essential medications to promote preventive healthcare for Filipinos.

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