Amid rising cases, PhilHealth expands benefit package for HIV treatment

MANILA, Philippines, December 3 ------ In response to the rising cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the country, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) has increased its benefit package for the treatment of the disease by up to 95 percent.

In a statement, in time for World Aids Day, PhilHealth announced that its Outpatient HIV/AIDS Treatment (OHAT) Package now offers annual coverage of P58,500, up from P30,000. This hike comes after the Department of Health (DOH) reported over 5,500 new HIV cases from July to September this year, as pointed out by PhilHealth. “It is worrying how reports show younger and younger [persons living with HIV]. That’s why we are calling on the parents of the youth to support them, and make them feel that they are not alone, and there is a future waiting for them through early prevention and regular care under our Yakap clinics,” PhilHealth President and CEO Dr. Edwin Mercado said.

The state-run insurer noted that the DOH has proposed the declaration of a national public health emergency, given the growing health concern due to the rising cases of HIV. For its part, PhilHealth said its enhanced OHAT Package covers anti-retroviral therapy for all individuals who have confirmed HIV test results from certified facilities, regardless of their clinical or immunologic status. It also covers other services required for effective disease management.

The OHAT Package can be accessed through 234 HIV treatment hubs across the country that are accredited by PhilHealth or designated by the DOH. PhilHealth said it disbursed a total of P1.6 billion last year to cover 176,819 HIV treatment benefit claims.

Source: inquirer.net