PhilHealth Now Covers Orthopedic Implants, Kidney Dialysis

(PIA) — The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) now covers benefits for orthopedic implants as well as end stage renal disease requiring peritoneal dialysis following the release of the new health benefit packages.

Oscar Abadu, regional vice president, said the new Z-package highlights coverage of hip arthroplasty, hip fixation, femoral shaft fracture and petrochanteric fracture.

For the end stage renal disease dialysis, PhilHealth will pay up to Php270, 000 a year in which Php10,384 will be given per tranche. The circular order to this effect also specified that the filing schedule is within 60 days after every 14th day of peritoneal dialysis exchanges.

“These updates are results of the feedbacks from our members. This proves that PHIC continuously improving its services for the benefit of the public,” Abadu said.

Aside from the two updates, he also revealed that foster children can now be qualified dependents of foster parents as well as parents below 60 years old with permanent disability.

“All foster children including those abandoned, surrendered, neglected, orphaned, abused, exploited, subjected to difficult circumstances like calamities and armed conflict, and with special needs, who have been under the custody of the DSWD are now qualified to be beneficiaries and those parents with permanent disability regardless of age as determined by the corporation, that renders them totally dependent on the member for subsistence,” Abadu explained.

He also mentioned that all maternal deliveries, regardless of parity, pregnancy related conditions such as pre-term labor and pregnancy induced hypertension subject to qualifying contributions can now be covered in the health insurance.

Abadu also added that all senior citizens can now be automatically members of the health insurance as long as they will apply at any nearest PHIC office. (Oliver T. Baccay/PIA-Cagayan)