MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA) — The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in northern Mindanao unveiled expanded benefits, including coverage for critical illnesses and mental health, for its over 5 million members.
Delio A. Aseron II, PhilHealth regional vice president for northern Mindanao, reported during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas media forum on July 2 that case rate packages have increased by 30 percent for all admissions effective February 4 this year, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directives.
“Coverage for hemodialysis sessions expanded from 90 to 156 sessions, with financial coverage rising from P2,600 to P4,000 per session, effective July 1, 2024. Critical illness coverage also improved. The benefits for hemorrhagic stroke rose from P38,000 to P80,000, while high-risk pneumonia coverage expanded to P90,100 from P32,000. Mental health is now included in critical illness coverage,” he said.
PhilHealth’s Konsulta program in focus
Aseron emphasized that the Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama (Konsulta) program is one of PhilHealth’s flagship initiatives that provides comprehensive outpatient healthcare services.
“Under the Konsulta program, members have access to free medical consultations, health risk screenings and assessments, selected laboratory and diagnostic tests, and essential drugs and medicines tailored to their pre-existing medical conditions,” he said.
According to data from May of this year, 106 registered facilities in northern Mindanao served 1,964,261 clients under the Konsulta program. To take full advantage of these improved outpatient benefits, Aseron urged all citizens to register with PhilHealth.
Jimmy Lapao, a Konsulta beneficiary from Patpat village in Malaybalay City, thanked PhilHealth for covering his medical fees.
“Ang suporta sa PhilHealth alang sa gasto sa lab test ug uban pang bayronon naghata’g kasigurohan sa mga bag-ong miyembro sama nako. Nawala ang akong mga kabalaka ug kahadlok sa dagkong bayronon. Dako akong pasalamat sa mga paningkamot sa gobyerno nga mahimong affordable ang akong pagpatambal,” he said.
(PhilHealth’s coverage for out-of-pocket expenses, especially lab tests, has been a relief for a new member like me. It has eased my financial worries and ensured I could receive top-quality medical care without fear of hefty bills. I appreciate the government’s efforts to make healthcare affordable.)
Ensuring peace of mind during illness and hospitalization
“Isa sa pinakamahalagang benepisyo na bigay ng PhilHealth ay ‘peace of mind,’ dahil kung ang mga kababayan natin ay ma-ospital, alam nila na may tutulong sa kanila sa mga gastusin,” Aseron said.
(One priceless benefit PhilHealth provides is peace of mind. Knowing they will receive financial assistance during hospitalization eases the burden.)
He underscored that individuals registered in PhilHealth’s Universal Health Care (UHC) database are eligible for benefits in the event of illness and hospitalization. Partner government and private hospitals must honor these benefits.
“Even with insufficient contributions, hospitalized members can still receive care. PhilHealth will deduct the bill amount subsequently, allowing them to enjoy their benefits,” he said.
As mandated, PhilHealth provides financial assistance and access to affordable health services, covering hospital costs, room and board subsidies, medicine, and professional services, including comprehensive outpatient healthcare.
“Ang vision ng PhilHealth ay gawing miyembro ang bawat Filipino upang bawat miyembro, protektado at kalusugan ng lahat segurado. May insurance tayo na masasandalan sa oras na tayo’y magkasakit at ma-ospital. Merong aalalay sa ating gamotan,” he said.
(PhilHealth envisions a nation where everyone has access to quality healthcare and financial support for hospitalization and medication needs, ensuring that every Filipino becomes a member.)
Dr. Sulpicio Henry M. Legaspi Jr., regional director of the Department of Health Center for Development in Northern Mindanao, stated that the UHC law has resolved critical issues such as lack of doctors, ambulances, hospitals, patient transportation, and rural health facilities.
Empowered by Republic Act 11223 (UHC Act), PhilHealth strengthens its role by providing financial health services and protection against high medical expenses. These initiatives aim to shield Filipinos from financial risks and ensure equitable access to quality healthcare for all. (RLRB/PIA-10/Bukidnon)
