MANILA — The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) announced on Monday that it will increase nearly all of its benefit packages by 50 percent starting January 2025.
This move comes despite the government’s decision to cut subsidies for the health insurer this year.
Dr. Israel Francis Pargas, PhilHealth’s Senior Vice President for Health and Finance Policy, explained that the hike will affect approximately 9,000 case rate packages for its members.
“Back in February 2024, we already increased by 30 percent, and now, before the year ends, we are implementing another increase, this time 50 percent for about 9,000 benefit packages starting January 1,” Pargas said in a televised briefing.
He added that most benefit packages or case rates will see a 50 percent increase, except for those that were rationalized or adjusted separately.
For instance, the Kidney Transplantation Package, which was previously set at P600,000, will now range from P800,000 to P2 million.
The Acute Myocardial Infarction or heart attack package, formerly known as Angioplasty, will now increase from P30,000 to P530,000.
PhilHealth will also expand its coverage to include emergency outpatient services, which were previously excluded from existing benefit packages.
“Before, we had primary care and inpatient care, but patients brought to the emergency room without being admitted had no benefits. Now, we have a new emergency care package that will cover patients who require emergency room treatment but don’t need to be admitted,” Pargas explained.
Additionally, PhilHealth will now cover preventive oral health services such as oral screening, oral prophylaxis, and fluoride application, as part of its expanded primary healthcare package, Konsulta, which also includes free consultations, laboratory tests, and medications.
Pargas emphasized that members can access these services from accredited Konsulta providers that offer dental services.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reassured the public that despite the cut in government subsidies, PhilHealth members would still benefit from expanded services and increased coverage.