PhilHealth, PIA, Albay ComNet to boost health care benefits

By Sally Atento - Altea

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay --- The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) has partnered with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and the Albay Communicators Network (ComNet) to enhance its information campaign on the expanded outpatient health care benefits under the ‘Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama’ (Konsulta) program.

Leri Ilagan, head of the Public Affairs Unit of PhilHealth Bicol, presented the newly improved benefit packages during a meeting with government information officers in Albay.

“We are collaborating with PIA Albay and ComNet, where PhilHealth is also a member, to strengthen our efforts and incorporate awareness activities about the new health benefits into your communication strategies,” Ilagan said.

Preventive Konsulta

PhilHealth Bicol Vice President Alberto Manduriao emphasized the agency’s commitment to providing accessible and affordable primary health care to help prevent minor illnesses from worsening into severe and costly conditions.

“If we can provide primary health care, we can reduce the number of hospitalizations. Many illnesses become complicated because treatment is delayed,” Manduriao explained.

“With Konsulta, members can access benefits through outpatient consultations. It’s about preventing sickness before it escalates into serious health issues,” he added.

The Konsulta program aims to provide early detection and intervention, free consultations, diagnostic tests, and access to essential medicines, all without the need for hospital confinement.

What’s new?

Ilagan announced that PhilHealth has expanded its coverage and increased the copayment limit under the Konsulta program to better serve its members.

Key updates include:

Increased copayment amount: Starting in 2024, the copayment ceiling will rise to ₱1,700, which will help reduce out-of-pocket expenses for members.

Expanded outpatient services: The program now includes emergency care, mental health services, and oral health care.

Child health services: There is added support for malnourished children aged 6 months to 5 years and eye care for children aged 0 to 15 years.

Additional medications: Members will receive free medicines for asthma, hypertension, diabetes, and other infectious diseases, in addition to the 21 basic drugs already covered.

Comprehensive care: The Konsulta program offers packages that include consultations, health risk screening, diagnostics, counseling, rehabilitative sessions, and assistive mobility devices.

Currently, 28 public and private facilities in Albay are accredited as Konsulta providers. Ilagan encouraged more service providers to seek PhilHealth accreditation to broaden service access for members. (Raiza Lucido contributed to this article/PIA Bicol/Albay)