The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is set to enhance its healthcare offerings by including emergency care services in its benefit packages starting next year, according to senior officials. This development aims to address existing gaps in the coverage of urgent medical needs.
Israel Francis Pargas, PhilHealth’s senior vice president for the Health Finance Policy Sector, explained during a recent media forum that while the current benefits cover primary care and hospitalization, emergency care is notably absent. He stressed that under the Universal Health Care Law, PhilHealth is obligated to provide comprehensive healthcare, which includes emergency services.
“We are actively working on the implementation of the emergency care package. Our goal is to finalize the policy this year and begin offering the service in 2025,” Pargas stated.
PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. revealed that the corporation is also preparing to expand coverage for serious health conditions, particularly cancers affecting the lungs, liver, ovaries, and prostate. This expanded coverage will be crucial for patients undergoing chemotherapy and other critical treatments.
Ledesma highlighted that the corporation’s recent efforts have resulted in expanded coverage for 60% of the country’s most prevalent and severe diseases. These include pneumonia, severe dengue, stroke, chronic kidney disease, and various cancers.
Pargas further noted that several PhilHealth members are already benefiting from increased support for conditions such as asthma, neonatal sepsis, stroke, pneumonia, and hemodialysis. The new emergency care package is expected to build on these improvements, ensuring members have access to vital medical care in urgent situations.
By addressing these critical healthcare needs, PhilHealth continues its commitment to providing more comprehensive healthcare services to its members under the framework of the Universal Health Care Law.
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