The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) is committed to enhancing its benefit packages to better serve the people. PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. expressed this during a hearing with the House Committee on Health. Ledesma emphasized that increasing the benefit packages is a vital aspect of PhilHealth’s mandate.
According to Ledesma, the goal is to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for everyone. By reducing out-of-pocket expenses, the burden on individuals and the overall health system can be lightened. Ledesma stated, “We have to increase the benefit packages, make things easier for the people. The less out-of-pocket expenses, the better for the country and the better for the health system of the country.”
Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez also shares the same sentiment, urging the committee to review PhilHealth’s charter to expand patient benefits. This move highlights the government’s commitment to improving healthcare services and ensuring that citizens receive the necessary support.
Ledesma further emphasized that the recent 30-percent coverage rate increase, effective February 14, for almost all benefit packages is just the beginning. PhilHealth is determined to continuously enhance its offerings to meet the evolving needs of the population. This proactive approach demonstrates PhilHealth’s dedication to providing comprehensive healthcare coverage.
One notable enhancement is the approval of the Z Benefits for breast cancer, which will come into effect in March 2024. This development signifies PhilHealth’s commitment to addressing specific healthcare needs and ensuring that patients receive the necessary support for breast cancer treatment.
Aside from breast cancer, PhilHealth has also made other improvements to its benefit packages. For instance, the coverage for high-risk pneumonia has been increased from P32,000 to P90,100. This expansion aims to provide better financial assistance to individuals facing the challenges of pneumonia, particularly those at high risk.
Additionally, the Z Benefits package for colon and rectal cancers has been enhanced, allowing patients with metachronous colorectal tumors to re-avail the package for colon and rectal cancer. This enhancement ensures that individuals dealing with these specific types of cancer can access the necessary treatments and support.
Furthermore, PhilHealth has increased the package rate for select orthopedic implants. This adjustment aims to address the needs of individuals requiring orthopedic procedures and ensure that they can access the necessary implants without financial strain.
In conclusion, PhilHealth’s commitment to increasing benefit packages demonstrates its dedication to improving healthcare accessibility in the Philippines. By reducing out-of-pocket expenses and expanding coverage for specific medical conditions, PhilHealth aims to alleviate the burden on individuals and enhance the overall health system. These enhancements reflect the government’s efforts to prioritize the well-being of its citizens and provide them with the necessary support for their healthcare needs.
Source: The Manila Times
