PhilHealth-Bicol assures members of benefits with P4.1-B fund
- Bicolmail Web Admin
- Feb 15
- 2 min read
By Connie Calipay
LEGAZPI CITY --- The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (Philhealth) 5 (Bicol) has assured its members that there are sufficient funds to cover claims from health care providers.
During Tuesday's "Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas" event at PhilHealth’s regional office, PhilHealth-5 Vice President Alberto Manduriao said the agency has allocated PHP4.1 billion for 2025.
"We can afford to pay for the illnesses of our members. PhilHealth has the funds set aside to cover benefits for all our members and claims from hospitals," he said.
Manduriao added that PhilHealth operates with a budget that includes funding for personal services, maintenance and other operating expenses, capital expenditures, and benefit payments.
"The budget for benefit payments is allocated for the year. A fund is available to meet all the needs of our members based on the claims submitted by our hospitals. Even without a specific appropriation, PhilHealth will continue to pay all benefits. As our President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said, we will continue to pay the claims of our members," he added in Filipino.
In 2025, the agency will introduce several new packages, including Diagnosis-Related Groups, the Comprehensive Outpatient Benefit Package, and Z Benefits packages for procedures such as heart valve surgery, treatment for children with disabilities, prostate cancer, cervical cancer, and open-heart surgeries.
There will also be rationalized case rates for chemotherapy targeting lung, liver, ovarian, and prostate cancers, along with enhanced diagnostic services and Z benefits for prostate and cervical carcinoma.
"We are focused on maintaining critical services, such as inpatient care, outpatient consultations, and preventive health programs, particularly for those who need them most, to minimize the impact of any funding challenges," he added.
In 2024, PhilHealth-5 paid PHP5.7 billion for 619,400 claims.
"To (our) 6.3 million members in Bicol, we continue to ensure that PhilHealth benefits are available for your use when needed. Prioritize your health, understand your benefits, and utilize your PhilHealth when necessary," Manduriao said. (PNA)
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