PhilHealth offers bigger packages, higher financial support

Local

FILIPINOS struggling with high medical costs will soon get relief as PhilHealth expands its benefit packages and increases financial support for major treatments starting this 2025.

Among the biggest changes is the increase in hemodialysis coverage to P6,350 per session, up from P2,600, to help ease the burden on thousands of patients in Central Visayas.

In 2024, PhilHealth processed P9.9 billion in claims, with hemodialysis being the most availed procedure. Regional Vice President Marjorie Cabrieto said the expansion aims to strengthen universal healthcare and make essential treatments more accessible.

PhilHealth has introduced new benefit packages to help members afford medical care. The Emergency Care Package now covers urgent treatment without requiring a 24-hour hospital stay.

The Severe Acute Malnutrition Package provides support for children in need of immediate nutritional care.

The expansion also includes outpatient mental health services, which give members access to consultations and treatments.

Oral health services are now part of primary care, covering dental check-ups, cleanings, fluoride applications, pit and fissure sealants, and emergency tooth extractions.

For children up to 15 years old, optometric services now ensure they have access to eye check-ups and vision care.

Patients needing rehabilitation and mobility support can avail of physical therapy, assistive devices, and rehabilitation services.

Cabrieto said PhilHealth will soon introduce more benefit packages, including a Comprehensive Outpatient Benefit Package, expanded Z Benefits for heart valve surgery, and specialized treatments for prostate cancer, cervical cancer, and open-heart surgeries.

PhilHealth has increased financial support for serious diseases to reduce the out-of-pocket expenses of its members.

Breast cancer treatment coverage has risen to P1.4 million, up from P100,000. Kidney transplant coverage is now P2.1 million, previously P600,000.

Also, Peritoneal dialysis (PD) coverage has jumped to P1.2 million, compared to the previous P270,000.

Stroke patients will also get better financial assistance. Hemorrhagic stroke treatment coverage has increased to P80,000, up from P30,000, while ischemic stroke coverage is now P76,000, up from P28,000.

For those undergoing angioplasty due to a heart attack, PhilHealth now provides P524,000, a major increase from the previous P21,900.

Cataract surgery coverage has also expanded, with members now eligible for up to P187,100 per eye, compared to P16,000 before.

To help patients with end-stage kidney disease, PhilHealth encourages the use of peritoneal dialysis as an alternative to hemodialysis.

Peritoneal dialysis uses the abdomen’s lining to filter waste, while hemodialysis uses a machine. PD can be done at home, while hemodialysis requires clinic visits.(MyTVCebu)