VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) — The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Regional Office I is encouraging healthcare facilities and professionals in the Ilocos Region to apply for accreditation as service providers for its mental health packages.
Raymund Maningding, Head of the La Union Local Health Insurance Office, shared that PhilHealth has already received several applications, which are currently under review.
“We encourage all primary care facilities in Region 1, including district hospitals and Level I to Level III hospitals, to get accredited with us… because as long as there are no accredited facilities, we cannot provide the appropriate benefits to our members,” he remarked.
To date, PhilHealth said the nearest accredited primary care facility in Region 1 is the Baguio General Hospital (BGH) in Benguet.
Dr. Janette Manaois, Head of the Benefits Administration Section of PhilHealth Region 1, explained that the mental health package is divided into general and specialty services.
She added that general mental health services packages cost P9,000 per person annually, while specialty mental health services packages cost P16,000 per person annually.
As per PhilHealth Circular No. 2023-0018, the general service package includes screening, assessment, diagnostics, up to 12 follow-up visits, psychoeducation, psychosocial support, and access to medicines under the Medicine Access Program for Mental Health (MAP-MH).
Meanwhile, the specialty service package provides all the benefits of the general package, with the addition of psychotherapy.
To be eligible for psychiatric services, individuals must be 10 years and older, while there are no age restrictions for individuals needing neurological services.
To qualify for psychiatric services, individuals must be 10 years or older, while those needing neurological services have no age restrictions.
The complete list of requirements for healthcare facilities to be accredited can be accessed here: https://www.philhealth.gov.ph/circulars/2023/PC2023-0018.pdf.
The introduction of this mental health package aligns with Republic Act No. 11036 or the Mental Health Act of 2018, demonstrating the government’s commitment to expanding healthcare coverage and improving the well-being of individuals facing mental health challenges.
PhilHealth members can request a callback by texting “PHICallback” followed by their mobile number and details of their concern to the following numbers: 0998-857-2957, 0968-865-4670, and 0917-127-5987, as well as 0917-110-9812.
PhilHealth can also be reached 24/7 through its Action Center Hotline at (02) 8662-2588. (CCMT/JMCQ, PIA Ilocos Sur)
