PhilHealth to Come-out with Z-benefit Packages for Colon and Rectal Cancer Soon

The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) announced Thursday the availability of its Z-benefit packages that will help PhilHealth members and dependents with colon and rectum cancers cope with heavy burden of expenses.

In its quarterly “Kapihan with PCEO” held at its main office at City State Center in Shaw Blvd., Pasig City, PhilHealth president and chief excutive lawyer Alexander Padilla said PhilHealth’s 12th and 13th z-benefit packages would cover colon and rectal cancers.

Padilla said that PhilHealth issued Circular No. 028-2015 on first week of October in preparation for the implementation of the Z-benefit package before the year ends or by early next year.

“We are definitely not stopping at having 11 Z-benefit packages… and the quest to introduce more relevant, responsive packages continues,” Padilla added.

He said that under the Z package rate for the entire course of treatment of colon cancer, or Stage I to II, or belonging in the low risk category, was Php 150,000.00.

He added that package rates for Stages II (high risk) to III amounted to Php 300,000.

On the other hand, the Z package for the entire course of treatment for rectum cancer, Stage 1 (clinical and pathologic) is Php 150,000.

Stages II to III packages range from Php 320,000 to Php 400,000.

These packages were product of assessment for the need to ensure that ailing members suffering from such illnesses can go back to society as productive citizens and eventually can contribute to the economic growth.

Corresponding rules will apply in availing these packages.

“Z benefits” are package of services to patients which are undergoing economically and medically “catastrophic” or very serious illnesses.

Included in this category are acute lymphocytic leukemia (for children), breast cancer, prostate cancer, cervical, z-morph and others.

The PhilHealth president said that part of the preparation was the evaluation of the capabilities of government and private facilities that will be accredited.

He also said that Letter of Intent from private hospitals would be evaluated and accredited facilities would be inspected and well screened.

Memorandum of Agreement for the accredited hospital will also be announced in the succeeding weeks to formally launch the z package of benefits for colon and rectum cancers. (PNA) RMA/LSJ