TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan – In a significant move to address the growing mental health needs in the Philippines, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has rolled out a new comprehensive benefits package under PhilHealth Circular No. 2023-0018: Outpatient Benefits Package for Mental Health (MH) aims to provide more accessible services for Filipinos grappling with mental health conditions.
Almira Cruz, information officer of the Public Affairs Unit of PhilHealth Region 2, emphasized that the MH package covers a wide array of mental health services, including initial assessments, follow-up consultations, and essential laboratory or diagnostic tests.
“This package is designed to provide crucial support for mental health issues. It includes psychoeducation and psychosocial support through the World Health Organization’s Mental Health Gap Action Program (mhGAP), delivered by primary care physicians. In cases requiring specialized care, interventions from psychiatrists, neurologists, or psychologists may be availed,” Cruz said.
Comprehensive Coverage for Key Mental Health Conditions
The MH outpatient benefits package offers coverage for various mental health conditions, including but not limited to depression, psychoses, epilepsy, child and adolescent mental and behavioral disorders, dementia, and self-harm or suicide risks.
PhilHealth has set annual coverage amounts at Php 9,000 for general mental health services and P16,000 for specialized services.
Cruz explained that this financial support is crucial in ensuring consistent access to healthcare, particularly for marginalized groups.
“The coverage includes assessments by primary care physicians trained in mhGAP, up to 12 follow-up consultations, as well as laboratory and diagnostic tests. Medications listed under the Mental Health Medicines Access Program (mhMAP) are also covered, along with psychoeducation and psychosocial support,” Cruz added.
Expanded Access for Patients 10 and Older
The mental health package is available to patients aged 10 and above. However, for neurological cases such as epilepsy or dementia, there are no age restrictions, broadening the reach of the package.
Patients seeking additional benefits, like psychotherapy sessions, will need to shoulder extra costs beyond the PhilHealth coverage.
Health Facilities Encouraged to Get Accredited
Cruz urged health facilities across the country to seek accreditation with PhilHealth to ensure that mental health services are accessible to more Filipinos.
Accredited facilities providing general mental health services include rural health units, city and municipal health offices, level 1 and 2 hospitals, DOH Medicine Access Program-mental health access sites, and standalone mental health clinics.
Specialty mental health services, meanwhile, can be availed in accredited Level 2 and 3 hospitals with specialized staff, custodial care facilities, and national specialty centers identified by the DOH.
“To date, the rural health unit of Roxas in Isabela and the City Health Office of Santiago City have already secured their accreditation, and contracts are ready for signing,” Cruz revealed.
“This development underscores PhilHealth’s commitment to supporting the mental well-being of Filipinos, an issue that has gained increasing attention, particularly following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic,” she added.
She said the expanded mental health package reflects ongoing efforts of PhilHealth to integrate mental healthcare into the broader health system, providing much-needed relief for patients and their families. (ADS/PIA Region 2)
