PhilHealth improves benefit package for dengue patients

MANILA, Philippines — Amid the Department of Health (DOH)‘s warning of a possible increase in dengue cases, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) said patients admitted for the viral infection can avail themselves of an increased benefit package.?

The state-run health insurer said the benefit package for dengue has been raised to P13,000 from the previous P10,000 under its medical conditions package.

This higher benefit is part of the increase of all benefit packages it implemented starting Feb. 14.

“With the 30 percent increase, it is now P13,000,” vice president for corporate affairs Rey Baleña said in a Viber message, adding that the package covers inpatient care for dengue.?

The agency also reminded the public that, when confined, PhilHealth has the “No Balance Billing” policy, which means no additional payment if one is admitted or confined in a ward-type accommodation, both in public or private hospitals accredited by PhilHealth.?

Earlier, the DOH cautioned the public on a possible increase in dengue cases. It said the previous declining trend is starting to plateau.?

“This could be the start of a rise in cases nationwide if we will not search and destroy mosquito water or stagnant water in any areas or containers that may breed dengue mosquitoes,” the DOH said.?

Its latest data showed that as of June 1, there were 5,368 dengue cases – almost the same number as those reported two weeks earlier.

The DOH recorded a total of 70,498 dengue cases with 197 deaths from January to June 1.