THE PHILIPPINE Health Insurance Corporation XI (PhilHealth) upgraded and expanded its benefit packages in the year 2024 by increasing coverage and improving healthcare services.
During the Kapehan sa Bagong Pilipinas on September 10, PhilHealth XI regional vice president Atty. Harvey Carcedo highlighted PhilHealth’s accomplishments in implementing a 30% across-the-board increase in over 9,000 case rate packages at the start of 2024. He also said that PhilHealth planned for another increase before the year ended.
In their presentation, the following enhanced benefit packages in 2024 include Z Benefit packages for breast cancer, neonatal sepsis, bronchial asthma, Konsulta expansion (increase in capitation), and hemodialysis benefit package.
Z Benefit Package for breast cancer topped the availed packages as the amount jumped from P100,000 to P1.4 million with an increase rate of 1,300% last March. Neonatal sepsis increased from P11,700 to P25,793 (120% increase) and bronchial asthma from P9,000 to P22,488 (150% increase).
Last May 6, PhilHealth XI medical evaluator Dr. Giannelli Kristine Remocaldo explained that the budget increased to P1.4 million due to the increasing number of breast cancer cases. Breast cancer also remains one of the most common cancers in the Philippines and worldwide among males and females.
In their timeline for 2024, PhilHealth planned for Chemotherapy enhancements (Lung, Liver, Ovary, Prostate), COVID-19 in-patient enhancement, hemodialysis rate increase, and many others.
According to PhilHealth XI OIC Health Care Delivery Management Division Dr. Marie Allexis Campaner, Davao Region currently has 122 Konsulta providers and 357 accredited healthcare facilities.
She also said that PhilHealth is contracting numerous Z Benefit package providers to reach Filipinos from remote areas.
