PhilHealth mulls packages for heart, mental health, rehab patients

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) on Friday said it working with various groups in coming up with three new insurance packages for heart attack patients, those with mental health problems and those needing physical rehabilitation.

According to Jonathan Andal’s report on “24 Oras,” the insurance packages were proposed by PhilHealth and researchers from the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development.

The first package, which is for heart attack or ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) patients, will cover the angiogram and angioplasty procedures, from the ambulance fee up to the rehabilitation fees.

“Mako-cover ng package even from the time na sumakit ang dibdib dadalhin sa ospital na maliit hanggang ma-transfer sa malaking hospital para makareceive ng treatment including the ambulance transport. And then siyempre ‘pag nakarating na roon sa mas malaking ospital, angioplasty o yung pampatunaw ng blood clot yung thrombolytic therapy hanggang sa rehabilitation,” Dr. Eric Oliver Sison of the Philippine Society for Cardiovascular Catherization said.

Currently, PhilHealth only covers around P30,000 for heart attack patients despite the actual cost reaching up to half a million pesos.

The second insurance is for patients with mental health conditions.

PhilHealth proposes that it will cover the consultation, laboratory, psycho-education and medication.

The institution also asked the Department of Health to have additional medicine for mental health patients, as well as the variant of drug they can acquire.

Currently, the mental health subsidy of PhilHealth costs P7,800, but this is only applicable to admitted patients.

“Depression or bipolar or schizophrenia so covered silang lahat, kasama na rin dito ang epilepsy, dementia. 'Di ibig sabihin kailangan nasa mental hospital or facility pero pwede rin sa bahay,” Dr. Lester Sam Geroy of the Alliance for Improving Health Outcomes said.

The insurance for physical rehabilitation patients will benefit those 18 years old and above.

PhilHealth will cover the rehabilitation session, doctor’s consultation, medicine such as painkillers and diagnostics, braces, and prosthetics.

“Alam po natin ang stroke, multiple po ang disabilities dito, puwede pong mobility, plus cognition pati po yung pagsasalita nagiging problema,” Dr. Josephine Bundoc of the Physicians for Peace Philippines said.

A timeline will be followed on the launching of the new packages.

PhilHealth said the agency has  enough funds for the new benefits. 

“Mas mababa po ang ating benefits expense kaysa sa collection. Kaya napakarami nating pondo para bigyan ng budget yung mental health, rehabilitation and of course yung STEMI,” Dr. Edwin Oriña of the PhilHealth Corporate Planning Department said.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News