PHILHEALTH LIFTS 45-DAY BENEFIT LIMIT

THE Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has lifted the 45-day benefit limit for its members.

The PhilHealth Board of Directors issued the decision as part of the ongoing reforms to improve the government’s social health insurance program. 

The move also aims to provide continued support for Filipinos with severe illnesses, chronic conditions or prolonged hospital stays without the fear of financial hardship.

According to PhilHealth, the 45-day limit was an outdated cost-containment strategy that no longer aligns with current healthcare needs and payment mechanisms.

“The 45-day benefit limit is an outdated cost-containment strategy. We understand why this was implemented in the past, but with the changes in our payment mechanism, it’s now the right time to reform it,” said PhilHealth accting president and CEO Dr. Edwin Mercado.

PhilHealth has previously expanded benefits for certain conditions such as increasing the number of covered hemodialysis sessions from 90 to 156 annually. 

With the removal of the 45-day cap, patients are now allowed to receive care beyond the previous restrictions.

The PhilHealth added that the policy update aligns with the Universal Health Care Act, which mandates PhilHealth to fund individual-based services.