PhilHealth to shoulder treatment of Covid-19 patients

THE STATE-run Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) will pay for the medical expenses of health workers and hospitalized persons under monitoring and patients under investigation (PUMs/PUIs) for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).  

"Gusto nating bigyan sila ng confidence para sila ay makapag-focus sa kanilang mga trabaho, wala silang aalalahanin kung sila ay magkakasakit... Lahat ng hospitalized PUMs at PUIs sasagutin iyon kasi prescribed 'yung mga gamot at procedure na ginawa sa pasiyente at mayroon naman naka-quarantine sa bahay na hindi naman natin sasagutin dahil unang-una hindi natin alam 'yung mga ginamit nilang gamot o (We want to give them the confidence so they can focus on their jobs, that they don't have to worry if they get sick. All hospitalized PUMs and PUIs will be covered because the medicines and procedures performed on them are prescribed and there are those on home quarantine which we will not cover because, first of all, we're unaware of their medicines or) process," PhilHealth President and CEO BGen. Ricardo Morales, AFP (Ret.), said during the Laging Handa public briefing on Thursday.

Morales said the PhilHealth would also shoulder the Covid-19 testing costs but the testing must be prescribed by a health professional.

PhilHealth, he said, will not cover self-administered testings since these did not undergo the required laboratory procedure. He added that they have to go through hospitals, clinics, certified testing centers identified by the DOH and the hospital will submit their billing to PhilHealth.

Citing the universal health care law, Morales said every Filipino is included in the no balance billing policy.

"Lalo na ang mga tatamaan ng Covid-19, wala silang dapat ilabas na pera, ang gagastusin whether public or private hospital, sasagutin din ng (Especially those who will be affected by Covid-19, they need not spend money, their expenses whether public or private hospital will be covered by) PhilHealth," he added.

PhilHealth has released PHP1.6 billion to 5,000 hospitals and clinics -- including dialysis and lying-in clinics -- within the week, Morales said.

“This is part of the PHP30-billion funding for PhilHealth so we can preposition funds for all hospitals, including hospitals with sanctions or violations against PhilHealth, we won't go after them yet, it is important that they have funds when they need it," he said.

Morales encouraged the public to call the PhilHealth trunkline: 632-637-6177 and the Philhealth Action Center: 02 8441 7442 for any concerns or issues.( By Ma. Teresa Montemayor)