PhilHealth, Malasakit Centers maximizing resources for patients

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Bong Go assured Filipinos that state-insurer Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) is maximizing its resources to continue to help patients affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pay their hospital bills.

In a recent radio interview, Go said the new cost rates implemented for the treatment of COVID-19 aim to maximize the available funds PhilHealth has to continue assisting infected patients.

“As of now, package released depends on, say, for mild pneumonia… for moderate pneumonia it’s P143,000 and P786,000 for critical pneumonia,” the Senate committee on health and demography chair said, adding it can also be on a case-to-case basis in case there are shortfalls.

Previously, all Filipinos confined for COVID-19 had full PhilHealth coverage until April 15 when the state insurer began regulating the assistance to patients. For those confined after that date, new case rates were implemented, i.e., P43,997 for those with mild pneumonia; P143,267 for moderate pneumonia; P333,519 for severe pneumonia, and P786,384 for critical pneumonia.

Go added that if the patient is an indigent admitted in a government hospital and he or she does not have the capacity to pay for the hospital bill in excess of the amount shouldered by PhilHealth using the new case rates, the patient may request for additional assistance from PhilHealth subject to its evaluation.

He also said that patients may seek additional assistance from the 71 existing Malasakit Centers all over the country, which continue to assist those who need medical and financial assistance from the government, especially the poor and indigent.

Intended to expedite the provision of such services, a Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop for indigent and financially incapacitated patients where relevant government agencies with medical and financial assistance programs are gathered under one roof.

The agencies in Malasakit Centers include PhilHealth, Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

Go assured the public that Malasakit Centers remain functional and responsive to the needs of Filipinos despite the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine. He also said that his office is always open to help patients in need of assistance.