PhilHealth to shoulder COVID-19 hospital fees

LEGAZPI CITY —The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) will be providing a benefit package for persons undergoing the 14-day quarantine due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), its regional branch here announced recently.

Leri L. Ilagan, information officer of PhilHealth-5, said PhilHealth members may avail of at least P1,000 per day or a total of P14,000 worth of benefit in an accredited hospital that has the capabilities and facilities to manage persons under investigation (PUIs) admitted to a hospital during the quarantine period.

“We are just waiting for the official statement or issuance of the board regarding the exact amount of the package for the PUIs. But definitely, the PhilHealth will provide the package,” Ilagan said.

She added that this additional benefit will serve as the immediate assistance of PhilHealth to Filipinos who are quarantined amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

Ilagan said the existing packages for pneumonia will be also provided to the PUIs who are confirmed with signs and symptoms of pneumonia.

“Pneumonia is the deadliest and most common clinical syndrome associated with COVID-19,” she said. The package for Pneumonia I or the moderate risk is worth P15,000 while the Pneumonia II package or high risk pneumonia is worth P32,000.

Geraldine F. Naron, public relations officer of PhilHealth-5, said they are encouraging all Bicolanos to visit the nearest PhilHealth office in their area to update their membership in the agency’s database.

It was in line with the implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law where all Filipinos should become members of PhilHealth. This is to provide them with health care benefits especially in times of disease outbreak like COVID-19, she added.

Naron said the indigenous peoples, senior citizens and other individuals who have no capacity to pay for their contributions need to be registered in PhilHealth.

“Those indirect members are being identified with the help of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and local government units,” she said.

Bicol region has three UHC Integration sites, namely, the provinces of Sorsogon, Masbate and Catanduanes. (PIA-5)