LUCENA CITY, Quezon (PIA) – The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has announced the inclusion of mpox (formerly monkeypox) in its list of covered illnesses, providing financial assistance to patients diagnosed with the disease.
During a recent episode of Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas, PhilHealth IV-A Acting Regional Vice President Edwin Oriña stated that mpox patients can receive essential medical care without the financial burden associated with hospitalization and treatments.
“Out of 7,000 illnesses listed in PhilHealth’s benefit coverages, mpox is one. Actually, MPOX is not a new illness; it already exists in Africa, so it is listed among the conditions covered by PhilHealth,” Oriña said.
Mpox, first detected in the Philippines in 2022, is a viral disease that causes symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. In CALABARZON, the first case of mpox was recorded on August 29, 2024, as reported by the Department of Health – Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Calabarzon.
Although not as contagious as COVID-19, mpox still poses significant health risks, especially for vulnerable populations. Since its emergence, public health authorities have been working to contain the spread of the virus through public information campaigns, and now, financial support for affected individuals.
“Because COVID-19 is a new disease, it emerged in 2020, and we were not prepared for it. However, mpox is not new to us, so PhilHealth already has a benefit for it,” Oriña explained.
With this new benefit, PhilHealth members diagnosed with mpox can receive assistance for various medical services, including hospital confinement, treatment, and diagnostic procedures. The exact amount of coverage may vary depending on the specific case, but the program ensures that patients receive adequate support.
Oriña emphasized, “When you are confined, you can immediately use your PhilHealth benefits if you are a member. We assure you that PhilHealth is always here for you, to help you in times of need.”
DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa announced that people with suspected cases may avail of testing services in government hospitals for free to confirm whether they have the mpox virus.
The Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas is a weekly media forum program of the Philippine Information Agency, in partnership with the Presidential Communications Office. It highlights the programs, projects, and policies of the national government under the Bagong Pilipinas governance agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration. (AM/PIA 4A)
