PhilHealth Approves Increase in Fee for PhilHealth Konsulta
The Board of Directors of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) has recently approved an increase in the fee or capitation rate for PhilHealth Konsulta. Under the new rate, each patient will be charged P1,700 per year. This decision aims to improve the accessibility and quality of primary care services for all Filipinos.
Private Konsulta Package Providers Allowed to Collect Co-Payment
In addition to the increased capitation rate, the Department of Health (DOH) has announced that private Konsulta Package Providers (KPPs) will now be allowed to collect a co-payment of up to P900. This co-payment will help cover additional services and enhance the overall healthcare experience for patients. However, patients in public KPPs will not be charged extra.
Expansion of Services and Earlier Detection of Breast Cancer
The PhilHealth Board has also approved the inclusion of mammography and ultrasound screening services in the PhilHealth Konsulta package. These services are crucial in the early detection of breast cancer and other abdominal problems. Starting from April, three months ahead of schedule, Filipinos will have access to these essential diagnostic services.
Health Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa emphasized that the decision to expand the primary care benefits package was driven by the desire of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Speaker Martin Romualdez to provide better health benefits for the Filipino people. This move reflects their commitment to improving healthcare services nationwide.
PhilHealth Konsulta: A Comprehensive Primary Care Benefit Package
PhilHealth Konsulta is a primary care benefit package that offers capitation payments for free annual checkups, selected diagnostics, and medicines. The recent enhancements to the package aim to address the evolving healthcare needs of Filipinos and promote early detection of diseases.
The target implementation for the increased payments is set for June, or earlier, depending on the completion of operational details, including IT system enhancements. The DOH has entrusted the next steps of the implementation process to PhilHealth management, led by President and CEO Emmanuel Ledesma Jr.
Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo 1st District Representative Janette Garin expressed her support for the program and considered it the House’s gift to all Filipino women during Women’s Month. She emphasized the importance of regular mammograms and breast ultrasounds, particularly for women aged 50 and above.
Garin highlighted that these diagnostic tests are necessary, regardless of whether a woman feels any symptoms. Regular screenings play a crucial role in detecting breast cancer and other related conditions, especially during the golden age of a woman’s life.
In conclusion, the recent developments in PhilHealth Konsulta signify the commitment of the Philippine government to prioritize the health and well-being of its citizens. By increasing the capitation rate, allowing co-payments, and expanding services, the government aims to make quality healthcare more accessible to all Filipinos. The inclusion of mammography and ultrasound screening services will contribute to earlier detection of breast cancer and abdominal problems, ultimately saving lives and improving health outcomes.
Source: The Manila Times
