PhilHealth to introduce more cancer coverage, outpatient benefits

PhilHealth Chief Edwin Mercado announced plans to improve services and expand member benefits, following directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

In a radio interview on Saturday, Mercado introduced additional benefit packages for its members including the outpatient benefit packages, which allow patients to receive care without the need for a 24-hour hospital stay.

He also discussed the implementation of the Z Package, aimed at supporting patients with serious illnesses that require costly treatments.

"Naglabas na po kami ng Z package para sa mga sakit na nagdudulot ng catastrophic spending, 'yun po 'yung mga naglalakihang sakit na malaki rin ang inilalabas ng mga miyembro natin,” Mercado said.

("We have released the Z package for diseases that cause catastrophic spending—these are major illnesses that require significant expenses from our members.")

He explained that hospitals must meet specific criteria for accreditation under the Z Package to ensure they have the necessary equipment and properly trained specialists.

PhilHealth is also developing expanded cancer benefits for liver, ovarian, and lung cancers, which were previously not covered, with implementation targeted for this year.

Regarding the Konsulta Package, Mercado emphasized its comprehensive coverage across all life stages — from infancy to senior years. Initially, the package will address eight lifestyle-related conditions, with plans for expansion.

"Kami po ay magkakaroon, hopefully in the next few weeks, ng kasunduan sa Department of Education for example, para agarang ma-screen ang mga bata, sa mata, sa pandinig. Kung potentially may TB [tuberculosis], hopefully idadagdag natin," he said.

("We will hopefully have an agreement with the Department of Education in the next few weeks, for example, to immediately screen children for vision and hearing. If they are potentially at risk for TB [tuberculosis], we also hope to include that.")

To improve accessibility, Mercado announced plans to extend clinic hours by two hours after standard office closing times as part of PhilHealth’s agreement with Konsulta clinics.

Meanwhile, PhilHealth aims to reduce Filipinos’ out-of-pocket medical expenses, targeting a decrease from the current 44.4 percent to 25-30 percent within the next three years.