The Department of Health (DOH) announced on Wednesday, Sept. 11, that the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Board has approved an increase in the hemodialysis package rate.
Following guidance from President Marcos, DOH Secretary and PhilHealth Board Chair Teodoro J. Herbosa presided over the PhilHealth Board of Directors' decision to raise the package rate for hemodialysis from the previously implemented P4,000 per session to P6,350.
"President Marcos Jr. listens and works quickly, and so the PhilHealth Board now hears all feedback and is agile as well,” Herbosa said. “This improvement in the hemodialysis benefit package will be complemented by enhanced preventive care benefits,” he added.
Earlier this week, Herbosa convened the Benefits Committee (BenCom), which reviewed feedback from hospitals, dialysis centers, and the Philippine Society of Nephrology.
The BenCom, according to DOH, promptly acknowledged the operational feedback on the new P4,000 rate, particularly the ongoing challenges faced by dialysis providers.
New rate
The PhilHealth Board en banc has approved the new rate of P6,350 per session for both public and private dialysis units, according to the DOH.
The Board also authorized private dialysis units to "charge out-of-pocket" for services rendered beyond the listed minimum standards of care.
Nephrologists in these private dialysis units are permitted to bill an additional professional fee of up to P450 for services rendered, according to the DOH.
The DOH explained that the next step will be the issuance of a detailed PhilHealth Circular and its operationalization by PhilHealth Management to ensure that the higher rate can be claimed.
"We have also reminded Management to expedite urgent care and emergency benefits to complete the picture," Herbosa added.