Increase in Philhealth benefit packages  to push through

CEBU, Philippines —  The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has assured its members that even without implementing a hike in member contribution, the planned increase in most of its benefit packages next year will push through.

“The increase in members’ benefits in PhilHealth is not dependent on the scheduled contribution rate in 2024. Even if the hike in contribution rate takes effect or not next year, the planned adjustment in benefit packages will proceed,” said Rey Baleña, acting vice president of PhilHealth's corporate affairs group.

Baleña stressed that one major reason for widening PhilHealth’s coverage is due to inflation.

“This has very much affected the medical expenses of our members. We want them to be able to feel the value of the benefits they are getting from PhilHealth,” he added.

The PhilHealth official likewise said, “We somehow want for our ‘kababayans’ not to spend too much in terms of ‘out of the pocket’ expenses if not able to totally get rid of this.”

Baleña noted that the increase next year will cover a wide range of benefit packages.

“If not all, it will include most of the compensable medical conditions and surgical procedures. There are around 8,000 medical conditions and surgeries that PhilHealth will subject to review and that around 10 to 30 percent is the estimated increase in coverage for these illnesses and medical procedures,” Baleña said.

Earlier, PhilHealth announced that it is set to adjust the rates of most of its benefit packages starting next year. The move will result in increased financial coverage for Filipinos' hospitalization expenses come 2024.

“The case rates are likely to increase to a maximum of 30 percent across all cases. This is expected to lower out-of-pocket expenses of patients during hospitalization and in the availment of PhilHealth benefits for outpatient care,” PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Emmanuel Ledesma said.

The upward adjustment in case rates is on top of the ongoing benefit expansion and rationalization that was already approved by the PhilHealth Board. (CEBU NEWS)