Phil Health: What You Need to Know About This Government Mandated Insurance Program
In the Philippines, one of the most vital government-mandated insurance health programs is PhilHealth. It is a national health insurance program with a mission to promote social health insurance, provide financial risk protection and ensure access to quality medical and healthcare services.
What is PhilHealth?
PhilHealth, also known as the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, is a Philippine government corporation established to accomplish public health coverage in the country. It is government-funded and as a national health insurance provider, it administers social health insurance programs that provide financial assistance for hospitalization, medical, and health services to the public. Members secure their health needs and access to essential healthcare services in times of sickness and financial need.
Coverage and Benefits
PhilHealth aims to provide the best benefits and quality insurance programs that every Filipino individual or family member deserves. Members can enjoy the following benefits:
1. Inpatient hospital care – Hospitalization expenses including room, board, medicine, laboratory tests, surgical fees, operating room fees, and professional fees are covered.
2. Outpatient care – Diagnostic procedures and treatment such as check-ups, consultations, medical laboratory exams, and surgeries on a day case basis are covered.
3. Ambulatory surgical case rate – It provides a fixed amount for the hospitalization and surgery that lies within the PhilHealth coverage.
4. Z Benefit Package – It covers diseases that are costly and need special treatment such as hemophilia, leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, prostate cancer, and breast cancer.
5. Primary care benefit package – It provides free consultation, medical check-up, and medicine to members who are diagnosed with the primary care conditions.
Enrollment
PhilHealth aims to provide universal access to quality health care for all Filipinos. Enrollment in PhilHealth is open to all Filipinos, 60 years old and below. The following groups can enroll with PhilHealth:
1. Employees in the private and public sector
2. Self-employed individuals, including those in the informal sector
3. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW)
4. Senior citizens who are not yet eligible for the government employees’ insurance program and Medicare plan
5. Indigents or those who have zero or low-income, are homeless, or living in areas without health services
6. Foreigners who have valid documents and are staying in the country for at least six months, or married to a Filipino citizen
Production of a valid identification card such as a driver’s license, passport, Unified Multi-purpose ID (UMID), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID, Postal ID, or National Bureau of Investigations (NBI) clearance is required when applying to become a member.
Conclusion
Health is wealth, and PhilHealth advocates promoting the welfare and wellbeing of every Filipino with its objective to provide accessible and affordable health insurance programs. With PhilHealth’s healthcare policies and programs, the public can ensure their family’s health care needs, have financial assistance and enjoy the benefits of quality healthcare services. It is essential to enroll in PhilHealth to provide financial security and protection for oneself and family members’ healthcare in times of sickness or medical emergencies.
