MEDINA, Misamis Oriental (PIA) — Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth)-10 Regional Vice President Delio Aseron II emphasized PhilHealth’s commitment to expanding health insurance coverage through 13 new and enhanced benefit packages aimed at reducing the economic burden of illness and hospitalization.
Among the enhanced benefits is hemodialysis, which now offers coverage increased by 144 percent, amounting to P6,350 per session, with an annual limit of 156 sessions. The Konsulta Benefit Package has also been expanded to include outpatient treatments for tuberculosis (TB DOTS), malaria, HIV/AIDS (OHAT), and animal bites. Severe Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever coverage has risen by 194 percent, while COVID-19 inpatient benefits have received rate adjustments for both adults and children.
The coverage for the kidney transplantation Z Benefit Package has increased from P865,000 to P2,093,000, covering pre-transplant, transplant, and post-operative care. Coverage for Ischemic Heart Disease – Acute Myocardial Infarction has increased from P21,900 to P523,853. Moreover, peritoneal dialysis has been added as a first-line treatment for end-stage renal disease under the Z Benefit Package. Cataract extraction benefits have been increased from P16,000 to P187,100 per eye.
PhilHealth also introduced outpatient emergency care coverage, which includes urgent medical care in emergency rooms without the need for 24-hour hospitalization. Preventive Oral Health Services, now part of the Konsulta Program, include exams, cleaning, fluoride varnish, and sealants. Coverage for physical medicine, rehabilitation, and assistive devices—such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and canes—has been expanded. Pediatric optometric services are now available, covering eye exams, prescription glasses, and follow-ups for children aged 0-15. Furthermore, a 50 percent increase in case rate coverage was implemented to support common illnesses.
“Following last year’s 30 percent increase for over 9,000 case rates, we have implemented another 50 percent increase to provide even greater financial support for common illnesses and diseases,” Aseron said.
Stressing the importance of members being aware of the new PhilHealth benefits, Aseron said the enhancements are not just about expanding benefits, but also about building a stronger foundation for universal health care.
“Prioritizing every Filipino’s right to quality, equitable health care. And as President Bongbong Marcos affirmed on January 16, he said, the services of PhilHealth cannot be reduced, nor can the payment of PhilHealth be reduced in the insurance claim,” said Aseron.
Aseron further emphasized that these enhancements are part of PhilHealth’s goal to provide equitable and quality health care to all Filipinos. He also urged health providers to comply with the low co-payment policy, as mandated by the Universal Health Care Law, to ensure transparency and accessibility for all members.
“By adhering to the low-co-payment policy and ensuring transparency, we leave no Filipino behind,” he said.
Meanwhile, Antonio Arnaiz Jr., Local Health Insurance Office-Gingoog chief, shared that PhilHealth continues to extend its reach to rural areas, ensuring that all residents are informed and registered to avail of these benefits.
April Ben Licayan, 35, from Gingoog City, recalled an accident a few years back that required an operation on his fractured left clavicle, which resulted in a hospital bill of P30,000. Licayan shared that with PhilHealth, his bill was reduced to only P6,000, for which he is extremely thankful.
Licayan added that Filipinos can feel at ease because PhilHealth is there to guide and help them, having served the country for 30 years. (SAYU/PIA-10)
