July 01, 2024 - In a welcome development for Filipinos battling kidney disease, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) announced a significant increase in its benefit package for hemodialysis treatment. Effective July 1, 2024, PhilHealth will now cover Php 4,000 per hemodialysis session, a substantial jump from the previous Php 2,600.
This increase comes after PhilHealth's Board of Directors, led by Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, prioritized expanding financial support for dialysis patients. The decision aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s commitment towards making dialysis more accessible, as mentioned in his second State of the Nation Address.
What this means for Patients:
The increased benefit package offers greater financial relief to PhilHealth members undergoing hemodialysis. Patients can expect a larger portion of their treatment costs to be covered, reducing their out-of-pocket expenses. This can significantly ease the financial burden on families struggling with the high cost of dialysis.
Improved Care Standards:
The benefit increase also indirectly promotes adherence to recommended treatment schedules. Previously, the Php 2,600 package might not have fully covered the actual cost of a proper hemodialysis session, potentially leading some patients to cut back on treatments due to financial constraints. With the Php 4,000 coverage, healthcare facilities can provide a more comprehensive treatment experience that adheres to standard protocols, potentially improving patient outcomes.
Looking Ahead:
While this increase is a positive step, PhilHealth acknowledges the ongoing need for further improvements in dialysis care. The corporation is continuously evaluating its benefit packages and exploring ways to expand coverage for related services, such as medications and laboratory tests.
Patients are encouraged to visit their nearest PhilHealth office or accredited dialysis centers for further information on claiming their benefits under the new package rate. They can also contact PhilHealth's customer service hotline at (02) 441-7444 for inquiries.