In the face of health challenges, PhilHealth continues to stand by every Filipino in addressing medical costs.
This was announced by PhilHealth President and CEO Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. at the launch of PhilHealth’s expanded and new benefits during the regular Kapihan with Media forum in Quezon City.
Ledesma said that in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen the country’s health system, PhilHealth has increased benefits for common diseases affecting Filipinos by up to 50%, which includes pneumonia, severe dengue, stroke, chronic kidney disease, asthma, sepsis, ischemic heart disease, cataract, and hemodialysis.
Before the end of the year, PhilHealth will also cover chemotherapy for certain cancers, including lung, liver, ovarian, and prostate cancer.
“This move aims to protect families from falling into poverty due to medical expenses,” Ledesma stated.
Ledesma proudly shared that a budget is in place for the benefits package for Filipinos, ensuring there is no reason not to seek consultation or confinement.
PhilHealth also takes pride in being the first country in the Asia Pacific to launch an outpatient therapeutic care package for Severe Acute Malnutrition, which began implementation on October 1, 2024.
A malnutrition package worth P7,500 will be available for infants aged 0 to 6 months, while P17,000 will be provided for children aged 6 months to 5 years.
This benefit aims to combat malnutrition in children and ease the financial burden on affected families.
Additionally, the Single Period of Confinement (SPC) policy has been removed to assist members in need of continuous treatment.
The benefit for hemodialysis will also increase by 59%, raising it from P4,000 to P6,350 per dialysis session, with patients feeling the effects starting in November.
As a result, each dialysis patient will receive nearly P1 million per year in benefits, receiving a total of 156 dialysis treatments annually.
Alongside the expansion of benefits, PhilHealth is also utilizing advanced technology to improve its services.
PhilHealth has partnered with the Department of Information and Communication (DICT), Department of Health (DOH), and Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to streamline the processes of PhilHealth services, especially for those in remote areas.
Ledesma mentioned the expansion of the “Konsulta” program that offers free consultations, diagnostic tests, and medications.
The Konsulta Program includes the provision of 21 types of medications, primary care services, and 15 diagnostic services including mammography, as well as ultrasound for the breast, abdomen, and pelvic area.
Meanwhile, Ledesma alleviated concerns regarding the funding of PhilHealth, stating that there is ample funding support, so the agency is not at risk of depleting its funds.
He also noted improvements in PhilHealth’s payments to hospitals, with the Philippine Hospital Association expressing satisfaction with PhilHealth’s prompt payments. Ledesma urged the public not to hesitate to seek check-ups or confinement if they are experiencing health issues, reaffirming that PhilHealth is a partner to every Filipino.
To reach more Filipinos, Ledesma appealed to healthcare providers, both private and public, to become accredited with PhilHealth to provide more affordable medical services.
“As Philhealth expands its coverage to better serve the needs of our citizens, I appeal to hospitals and healthcare providers to support Philhealth’s efforts in reducing out-of-pocket expenses of patients. Our goal id for every Filipino to genuinely experience and appreciate the benefits program” concluded Ledesma.
