CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) continues its commitment to improving healthcare access across the country by streamlining processes and launching new and enhanced benefits packages.
During the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on Feb. 11, PhilHealth Regional Office (PRO)-10 Regional Vice President Delio Aseron II shared that these initiatives reflect PhilHealth’s focus on both improving efficiency and expanding services to meet the needs of all Filipinos.
Among the key policy changes implemented by PhilHealth to further support its members is the elimination of the single period of confinement policy, which provides more flexibility and broader coverage for members and their families, ensuring that they receive comprehensive care.
PhilHealth has also extended coverage to solo parents and foster families by including solo parents and foster children as dependents under the Foster Care Act of 2012 (Republic Act 10165). This expansion ensures that foster families have access to essential healthcare services and reduces their financial burdens.
Moreover, PhilHealth is enforcing the no-copayment policy for patients in ward accommodations, enabling members to fully benefit from their PhilHealth coverage without facing additional financial barriers.
Aseron emphasized that these changes are about building a stronger foundation for universal healthcare in the Philippines. “As President Bongbong Marcos affirmed on January 16, hindi mababawasan ang serbisyo ng PhilHealth, hindi mababawasan ang bayad ng PhilHealth sa insurance claims. In fact, padadamihin pa namin ang serbisyo na ibibigay ng PhilHealth, palalakihin pa naman ang pagbabayad sa insurance claims,” he stated.
Aseron also said that PhilHealth is focused on retaining critical services, inpatient care, outpatient consultations, and preventive health programs, especially for those who need them most, minimizing the impact of any funding challenges.
“We are committed to partnering with healthcare providers by addressing payment delays and streamlining reimbursements,” Aseron stated.
“In January, our average patient processing time was reduced to 19 days, ensuring faster payments and continued patient access to quality care. From December 27, 2024 to January 25, 2025, PhilHealth paid hospitals P20.13 billion, or a 38 percent increase from last year. PRO-10 disbursed P8.1 billion in timely payments for the more than 67,000 valid claims,” he added.
Currently, PRO-10 has 132 accredited hospitals and ambulatory clinics, 349 accredited outpatient facilities, and 159 Konsulta facilities.
“PhilHealth is your partner. We exist to ensure a healthy future for you and your loved ones. PhilHealth doors are always open to other partners and our members,” said Aseron. (APB/PIA-10)
