The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) has initiated partnerships with private hospitals as part of the agency’s expanded healthcare packages intended to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

On May 11, PhilHealth President and CEO Dr. Edwin M. Mercado inspected the newly opened Alfredo R.A. Bengzon Patient Access Ward, a 51-bed facility designed to provide world-class healthcare services to PhilHealth members with little to no out-of-pocket expenses at the Medical City.

The facility, which includes nine mother-and-baby-friendly rooms, stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when private hospitals fully embrace their partnership with PhilHealth in advancing accessible, high-quality healthcare.

Patients and their families shared firsthand how expanded PhilHealth coverage protected them from catastrophic medical expenses and allowed them to focus on recovery instead of financial hardship.

Earlier on May 1, Mercado showed to President Marcos Philhealth’s expanded healthcare packages, including YAKAP primary care consultations, cancer treatment services, and life-sustaining dialysis care at the St. Elizabeth Hospital, Inc. in General Santos City.

The visit showcased how PhilHealth’s strengthened benefits are helping patients access essential treatment earlier while shielding families from the financial burden of illness.

“The question is not capability, but will—the will to look at every PhilHealth member and say, ‘You belong here, too.’” said Mercado.

“Decades from now, no one will ask how many private suites a hospital had. They will ask how many lives were saved and changed,” he added.

PhilHealth is calling on more private hospitals, specialty centers, and clinics nationwide to join this shared mission of making quality healthcare truly accessible to every Filipino.

The agency remains ready to support healthcare facilities seeking accreditation across its growing range of benefit packages—including primary care, outpatient emergency services, inpatient care, maternity services, dialysis, cancer care, and treatment of catastrophic illnesses under the Z Benefits Program.

Healthcare institutions interested in partnering with PhilHealth may visit PhilHealth Official Website or coordinate with the nearest PhilHealth Local Health Insurance Office.