The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has expanded its outpatient benefits for mental health through the implementation of PhilHealth Circular 2023-0018, which allows members and their dependents aged 10 and above to access a range of services.
These include initial assessments, follow-up consultations, diagnostic tests, and psychosocial support for various mental health conditions such as depression, psychosis, epilepsy, dementia, and self-harm or suicide risks.
PhilHealth will provide annual coverage of P9,000 for general mental health services and P16,000 for specialized care.
Members can access these services at accredited facilities, including rural health units (RHUs), municipal health offices, level 1 and 2 hospitals, and stand-alone mental health clinics.
Specialized services can be accessed at accredited Level 2 and 3 hospitals, custodial care facilities, and national specialty centers identified by the Department of Health (DOH).
Dr. Mercado emphasized the importance of accessible mental health care, stating, "We recognize the importance of accessible mental health services for every Filipino. Kaya naman, katuwang din natin ang Kagawaran ng Kalusugan sa patuloy pang pagpapalawig ng ating mga serbisyo para sa kalusugang pangkaisipan. We are calling for more providers to participate and make these services within reach of Filipinos with mental health struggles. (We recognize the importance of accessible mental health services for every Filipino. That is why we are working with the Department of Health to continue expanding our mental health services. We are calling for more providers to participate and make these services more accessible to Filipinos facing mental health challenges.)"
PhilHealth also encourages individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or mental health distress to utilize crisis hotlines, including the National Center for Mental Health's 24/7 hotline at 0917-899 8727 or 989-8727 for immediate assistance.