Prioritizing one’s mental well-being is as essential as caring for physical health.
Although it can be difficult to address mental health issues, the government is taking steps to support and motivate individuals to address these concerns.
The passing of Republic Act No. 11036, also known as the Mental Health Act, in 2018 is evidence of this commitment.
This aims to enhance the welfare of the people by assuring that mental health is valued, promoted, and protected, and by ensuring that mental health conditions are addressed and prevented.
In line with this, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has recently broadened its mental health services to ensure inclusive care for individuals living with mental disorders.
In partnership with the National Center for Mental Health, PhilHealth is now offering a mental health package for outpatient services.
During the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on Sept. 10, Dr. Majesty-Ritchie Cor Parayno, Medical Specialist III from the benefit administration section of PhilHealth Region 1, stated that the package is divided into two categories: general and specialty mental health services.
She said, “Nilabas lang po ito noong October 2023. So ito po ay sa ating mental health package, ang mga nakapaloob po diyan ay makakakuha po ng serbisyong psychological services at ganoon din po neurologic services at pati rin substance abuse health services – ibig sabihin iyong therapy kung kailangan nila. Unang-una [ay] consultation… and then mayroon tayong laboratory and diagnostics as well as medicines na pwedeng ibigay.”
(This was just released in October 2023. This is regarding our mental health package, which includes access to psychological services, as well as neurologic services and substance abuse health services – meaning therapy if they need it. First of all, there is consultation… and then we have laboratory and diagnostics as well as medicines that can be provided.)
General mental health services packages cost ₱9,000 per person annually, while specialty mental health services packages cost ₱16,000 per person annually.
As per PhilHealth circular no. 2023-0018, the general service includes screening, assessment, diagnostics, up to 12 follow-up visits, psychoeducation, psychosocial support, and access to medicines under the Medicine Access Program for Mental Health (MAP-MH).
On the other hand, the specialty service includes all the services in the general package as well as psychotherapy.
To be eligible for psychiatric services, individuals must be 10 years and older while there are no age restrictions for individuals needing neurological services.
“Ang kailangan lang gawin ng ating mga PhilHealth members, kapag sila po ay nakakaranas ng problema sa mental health, psychological, psychiatric, neurologic disorders or problems, kayo lamang po ay pumunta sa mga accredited na health facilities na nagbibigay ng mental health package na ito,” Parayno added.
[What our PhilHealth members need to do when they experience issues with mental health, psychological, psychiatric, or neurologic disorders or problems is simply to go to accredited health facilities that offer this mental health package.]
While there are still no accredited health facilities in the Ilocos Region, Raymond Maningding, head of La Union Local Health Insurance Office, emphasized that PhilHealth is working diligently to establish more partnerships with healthcare providers to improve accessibility to healthcare services.
These initiatives reflect the government’s dedication to extending health service coverage to all Filipinos and enhancing the quality of life for individuals dealing with mental health conditions.
For more information, PhilHealth’s official communication channels are open to provide assistance and address any inquiries.
PhilHealth members can request a callback by texting “PHICallback” followed by their mobile number and details of their concern to the following numbers: 0998-857-2957, 0968-865-4670, and 0917-127-5987, as well as 0917-110-98.
PhilHealth can also be reached 24/7 through the “Click to Call” feature on the PhilHealth website at www.philhealth.gov.ph. (MJTAB/JMCQ, PIA Ilocos Sur)
