News
PhilHealth Set to Launch New Benefits - October 6, 2008
THE Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is set to launch new benefits for its members in the coming months according to its President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Rey B. Aquino.
"PhilHealth understands the plight of our members and we re-affirm our commitment to ensure better financial protection for them in times they need it most," Aquino said. "The benefits we are about to launch is in response to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's call to further widen the scope of our services and ensure that adequate support is being provided to all PhilHealth members", he added.
Among the new benefits to be rolled out include the payment for the 4th normal spontaneous deliveries. Right now, PhilHealth pays for the 1st to 3rd normal spontaneous deliveries. Benefits for the outpatient treatment of malaria and HIV / AIDS are also set to be launched by PhilHealth. Lowering the incidence rates of malaria and HIV / AIDS is one of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of which the Philippines is a signatory. The malaria package of P600 will include payment for laboratories, diagnostics, some of the drugs and administrative costs and will initially be made available through rural health units and health centers.
These benefits can be rolled out even before the year ends. Incidentally, Aquino is set to mark his first 100 days in office on November 20 following his appointment by President Arroyo last August 13.. "Over the next several months, PhilHealth will be launching benefits one after the other. Sunod- sunod po nating dadagdagan ang mga benepisyong nakakamit ng ating mga miyembro," Dr. Aquino said.
Other benefits in the pipeline include the provision of additional professional fees to doctors practicing in areas experiencing a shortage of health professionals. "With this scheme, we hope we can keep our doctors from leaving the country and to practice in areas where there is greater need." Aquino noted that there are still municipalities needing enough complement of physicians and this is one area where PhilHealth can make a big difference.
PhilHealth, with the full support of the Board of Directors spearheaded by Health Secretary Dr. Francisco Duque III, is likewise set to move towards case payment wherein there is a set amount the program will pay per case. This move will make it easier for both the member and accredited health provider to understand the benefits and support of PhilHealth. The state-run health insurance firm is currently developing 280 surgical procedures that will be paid through case payment. The new case payment is a major shift from the usual fee-for-service payment scheme and will ensure better financial protection to members especially the indigents and the elderly.
According to the PhilHealth President, PhilHealth is also studying the inclusion of outpatient drugs for diabetes and hypertension, noting that costs of these drugs are a burden to many Filipinos. An increase in the current room and board fees as well as cardiopulmonary clearance is being reviewed as well.
PhilHealth currently covers 73% of the population and its mandate is to provide universal social health insurance coverage by 2010. At least 1,500 hospitals are accredited by PhilHealth to participate in the program. Last year, PhilHealth paid more than P18 billion in benefit payments. "Sa tulong ninyo, lalo nating palakasin ang PhilHealth na siya ngayong pinaka-malawak, pinaka-comprehensibo, pinaka-matatag at pinaka-maaasahang panseguro ng ating kalusugan," Dr. Aquino said. (END)