The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. has increased its benefits for treating heart disease by more than 15 times, officials announced.
The move comes as the Department of Health urged Filipinos to prioritize their well-being during the holiday season, particularly in preventing cardio-vascular diseases, which remain the leading cause of death in the Philippines.
Effective Dec. 21, PhilHealth has expanded its coverage for Ischemic Heart Disease-Acute Myocardial Infarction, or heart attack, for all inpatient admissions. The new benefits include:
— Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) at 524,000 pesos, up from 30,300 pesos, a 1,629% increase.
— Fibrinolysis at 133,500 pesos, up from 30,290 pesos, a 341% increase.
— Emergency Medical Services with Coordinated Referral and Interfacility Transfer at 21,900 pesos.
— Cardiac Rehabilitation after PCI at 66,140 pesos.
PhilHealth President and CEO Emmanuel R. Ledesma Jr. said the increased benefits aim to reduce the financial burden on families affected by heart disease.
He encouraged members to take advantage of the corporation’s primary care benefits, including free consultations and laboratory tests, to prevent heart ailments.
Ledesma reminded members that there should be no co-payment for inpatient admissions in basic or ward accommodations in both public and private health facilities nationwide.
The enhanced benefits package supports a range of services, including emergency medical transport, medicines, laboratory and diagnostic tests, and medical supplies. Members can avail of PCI procedures at any of the 70 accredited Cath Labs nationwide.
PhilHealth has also urged Filipinos to register for its Konsulta program, which provides free primary care benefits, including consultations and laboratory tests, to support members in their journey towards better health.