Photo courtesy of Pangasinan LGU Hemodialysis Center Patient Hospital.
QUEZON CITY (PIA)—The Department of Health (DOH) announced on Wednesday, September 11, that the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) board has approved a significant increase in the hemodialysis package rate.
The rate has been raised from P4,000 to P6,350 per session, representing a 58.75 percent increase.
DOH Secretary and PhilHealth Board Chair Teodoro J. Herbosa highlighted the board’s responsiveness to feedback from the healthcare community, emphasizing that the decision was made under the guidance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“President Marcos Jr. listens and works quickly, and so the PhilHealth Board now hears all feedback and is agile as well,” Herbosa stated.
Under the guidance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Herbosa emphasized the board’s responsiveness to feedback from the healthcare community.
“President Marcos Jr. listens and works quickly, and so the PhilHealth Board now hears all feedback and is agile as well,” Herbosa said.
He noted that this improvement in the hemodialysis benefit package will be complemented by enhanced preventive care benefits.
Earlier this week, Herbosa convened the Benefits Committee (BenCom) to review input from hospitals, dialysis centers, and the Philippine Society of Nephrology regarding the previous P4,000 rate.
The committee acknowledged the operational challenges faced by dialysis providers under the old rate.
The new rate of P6,350 per session will apply to both public and private dialysis units.
The PhilHealth Board has also authorized private dialysis centers to charge out-of-pocket fees for services that exceed the minimum standards of care.
Additionally, nephrologists in these private facilities are allowed to bill an extra professional fee of up to P450 for their services.
The next steps will include the issuance of a detailed PhilHealth Circular, which will outline the operationalization of the new rate to ensure that claims can be processed effectively.
“We have also reminded management to expedite urgent care and emergency benefits to complete the picture,” Herbosa added.
This rate increase is expected to provide significant relief to patients undergoing hemodialysis and improve access to necessary treatments. (JMP/PIA-NCR)
