QUEZON CITY, (PIA) — The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is set to introduce new benefit packages under the Diagnosis Related Groups (DRG) system as part of its ongoing commitment to enhance healthcare services for its members.
During Tuesday’s episode of weekly “Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas” media forum, PhilHealth Vice President for NCR and Rizal, Dr. Bernadette C. Lico, announced the system launch this year.
“Tuloy-tuloy ang serbisyo [at] palalawigin pa ang benepisyo yan ang lagi naming sinasabi. So ngayong 2025, we will launch packages for diagnosis-related groups, so papunta na tayo sa implementation na talaga ng universal health care, kasi papasok na po ‘yung DRG,” Lico added.
She said the organization is prioritizing patient care, outpatient consultations, and preventive health programs to ensure continuous access to healthcare.
“Patuloy po naming sinisiguro na tuloy-tuloy na magagamit ang mga benepisyo sa PhilHealth. Siguraduhin ang inyong kalusugan, alamin ang inyong mga benepisyo, at gamitin ang inyong PhilHealth kung kinakailangan,” Lico said. (We continue to ensure that PhilHealth benefits will continue to be available. Ensure your health, know your benefits, and use your PhilHealth when needed.)
The DRG system groups patients with similar conditions, allowing hospitals to receive a fixed payment rather than billing for each individual expense. This approach helps control costs and promotes efficient care delivery.
Dr. Lico highlighted that PhilHealth is enhancing its services under the Universal Health Care (UHC) program, with new benefit packages expected to launch in 2025.
Among these is the Comprehensive Outpatient Benefit Package, which will expand the range of outpatient services covered.
Expanded Z Benefit Packages will include:
- Heart valve surgery (single valve replacement)
- Assistive devices for children with disabilities
- Kidney transplantation
- Prostate cancer treatment
- Cervical cancer treatment
- Open-heart surgeries, including Tetralogy of Fallot, Ventricular Septal
- Defect, and Coronary Artery Bypass.
Additionally, the new benefit packages will include coverage for ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) and rationalized case rates for chemotherapy for lung, liver, ovarian, and prostate cancers.
This initiative will also feature diagnostic laboratory services and enhancements to Z Benefits for Prostate Carcinoma and Cervical Carcinoma. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
