As dengue fever cases rise in the country, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has announced a significant increase in its benefit package for severe dengue treatment, raising it from P16,000 to P47,000, effective this month.
In a statement, PhilHealth explained that the substantial increase, which took effect on Nov. 1, is part of its ongoing benefit rationalization efforts and aims to provide “adequate financial risk protection” to Filipinos affected by the disease.
Two-fold increase
Earlier this year, the state health insurer had already raised its benefit package for dengue, whether with or without warning signs, from P10,000 to P13,000.
PhilHealth President and CEO Emmanuel R. Ledesma Jr. emphasized the organization's continued commitment to supporting Filipinos, especially during these “challenging” times.
"With this two-fold increase in health insurance coverage for severe dengue, we hope to alleviate the financial burden on affected families,” Ledesma said.
“There is no longer any reason to delay seeking immediate medical treatment upon observing dengue symptoms. Sagot po kayo ng PhilHealth (PhilHealth will take care of you),” he added.
Dengue cases, patients
Citing data from the Department of Health (DOH), PhilHealth noted that a total of 269,467 dengue cases have been reported nationwide, with the National Capital Region (NCR) reaching an alert level due to 24,232 recorded cases.
PhilHealth reminded the public that patients receiving services beyond the minimum care standards in non-ward accommodations, as well as additional services not related to dengue treatment at accredited private health facilities, will be subject to co-payments.
Additionally, services in non-basic accommodations at public facilities will incur a fixed co-payment.
In these cases, patients will face additional charges for upgraded services, including private, executive, or suite rooms, as well as for the choice of physicians and the use of amenities such as refrigerators, microwave ovens, and Wi-Fi.
As part of the informed consent process, attending physicians are required to fully inform patients about the minimum standards of care for managing severe dengue, as well as any out-of-pocket costs or co-payments associated with the use of amenities and upgraded services.
Additional information on the severe dengue package and other benefit packages is available through PhilHealth's 24/7 hotline.