The last day for members to transfer to a different PhilHealth YAKAP Clinic is Dec. 26, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) announced on Tuesday, Dec. 23.

Under its YAKAP program, PhilHealth members may avail themselves of free medical services such as regular check-ups, laboratory tests, cancer screening, and medicines under its GAMOT (Guaranteed Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment) initiative.

“Kung hindi sila nasiyahan sa serbisyong binibigay ng kanilang napiling clinic datihan o kaya lumipat sila ng kanilang tahanan o kaya trabaho, maaaring napakalayo na nung napili nilang clinic ng datihan, ay pwedeng pumili ng bago o lumipat para may pressure sa isang clinic na talagang gandahan niya ang serbisyo para hindi lumipat ang kanyang mga naka-assign na pasyente (If they are not satisfied with the service provided by their previous chosen clinic, or they have moved their home or job which may be too far from their previous chosen clinic, they can choose to transfer to a new one so that there is pressure on a clinic to really improve its services so that its assigned patients do not move or transfer)," PhilHealth President and CEO Dr. Edwin M. Mercado said during a radio interview.

He said each PhilHealth member has the freedom to choose a YAKAP Clinic to easily access PhilHealth YAKAP benefits, adding that members may opt for a clinic closer to their home or workplace to help ensure the well-being and health of their entire family.

According to PhilHealth, members who wish to transfer to a different YAKAP Clinic, regardless if they've already had a First Patient Encounter (FPE) or not, must first proceed to the nearest LHIO from them to submit their answered Primary Care Selection Form (PCSF).

They will then undergo verification using the PhilHealth Check Utility (PCU), it added.

PhilHealth said it will then inform the member of the details of his/her transfer via email, which will take effect once it is approved starting Jan. 1, 2026.

The agency said PhilHealth Action Center will also accept transfer requests via their hotline (02) 866-225-88 until Dec. 31.

Meanwhile, Mercado noted that PhilHealth also allows members to transfer through a representative, provided that an authorization letter, a valid government-issued ID (or equivalent document), and a completed PhilHealth Member Registration Form or PhilHealth Claim Form, if required, are presented.

As such, he reminded PhilHealth members that those who have not yet used their First Patient Encounter (FPE) may request to switch providers at any time, with approved transfers taking effect immediately. 

For members who have already used their FPE, the agency noted that transfer requests may only be filed during the fourth quarter of the year, from October to December.