PhilHealth: Missed payments no reason to deny benefits

THE Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) yesterday reminded its members as well as accredited health facilities that having missed premium contributions is not a reason for a patient to be denied of his/her benefits.

All members must be provided the healthcare services regardless if they have updated contributions or not, PhilHealth president and chief executive officer (P/CEO) Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. said in a statement.

“This is a guarantee of the Universal Health Care Law that must be observed by all, especially hospitals,” he added.

Ledesma said the matter of missed payments may be settled after the patient has enjoyed the benefits.

“What is more important is for the patient to immediately get the necessary healthcare service and avail their benefits,” he said.

PhilHealth issued the reminder as it reiterated it is covering hospitalization for leptospirosis and dengue.

“These benefits are available year-round and can be availed of by anyone hospitalized for these conditions at any accredited health facility nationwide,” he said.

PhilHealth said dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic benefit packages are at P13,000 and P16,000, respectively, while coverage for leptospirosis is at P14,300.

For the first half of 2024, PhilHealth said, it has paid over P14.7 million for leptospirosis claims, and over P1 billion for dengue fever and severe dengue.