THE PHILIPPINE Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) assured that inpatient confinement of pertussis (whooping cough) is covered up to a certain amount amid the rising number of cases of the disease.
PhilHealth president and CEO Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. reiterated that patients who develop into high-risk pneumonia, a common complication of pertussis, may claim up to a P90,100 benefit package.
Meanwhile, for cases requiring confinement, the case rate benefit for the pertussis ranges from P13,000 up to P19,000.
Patients who present symptoms of pertussis such as mild fever, “staccato” cough, and cold are advised to avail of the PhilHealth Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama (Konsulta) Package, an outpatient primary care benefit package of the health insurer.
The package includes free consultation, targeted health risk screening and assessment, selected laboratory and diagnostic tests, drugs, and medicines as prescribed by the healthcare provider.
“We understand the concerns surrounding pertussis treatment and want to reassure the public that PhilHealth is fully committed to supporting individuals needing inpatient care for this illness,” Ledesma said.
He further advised to observe safety measures such as regular handwashing to prevent contracting the illness. “But rest assured that PhilHealth guarantees patients will receive the care they need while it pays for the medical expenses,” he added.
Pertussis or ubong talahib in layman’s terms, is caused by Bordetella pertussis bacterium that is highly contagious and spreads through droplets when a person sneezes or coughs.
Infants and young children who haven’t received the DTaP vaccine (Diptheria, Tetanus, and acellular Pertussis) are susceptible to the illness, however, it can be prevented through vaccinations and antibiotics.
Kleah Gayle Guevara, PhilHealth XI public relations officer told the parents of the children to update their records on their eligibility and membership to avail the services.
“Since mas critical talaga ang cases of infants and children, we encourage our members na i-update ang records and declare their children as dependents, para ma facilitate ang availment,” Guevara said.
Guevarra, however, said non-members of PhilHealth can still avail of the services through immediate eligibility as stipulated in Republic Act No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care Act.
“Every Filipino shall be granted immediate eligibility and access to preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative care…” Section 6 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 11223.
Image courtesy of DOH
