Expanded health packages fire off

The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) assures the public it will be expanding financial aid to over 116 million members over the near term under its improvement plan for this year until 2026.

For the first quarter of 2025, PhilHealth will include adults as beneficiaries of coverage for wheelchair and other assistive devices.

PhilHealth National Capital Region Office vice president Dr. Bernadette Lico said the state insurer can cover around P40,000 for purchase of motorized wheelchairs.

Starting 14 February, she said health facilities can apply for PhilHealth accreditation regarding dental and optometric services for children.

For dental services such as assessment, cleaning, she said PhilHealth shoulders P1,000 per year with two visits at government clinics and hospitals. The private dental service providers require patients out-of-pocket expense of P1,500 to P1,600.

New PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Dr. Edwin Mercado, who was sworn in last 10 February, promised to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses of patients to 25 percent from the existing 47 percent.

“PhilHealth will continue to expand benefits. I will effectively use my knowledge, skills, and vast experience in healthcare to ensure every Filipino receives proper and convenient medical services,” he said.

Mercado replaced Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. who had served at PhilHealth for two years and had laid out its improvement plan for this year until 2026.