PhilHealth Expands Coverage: Emergency Outpatient Care Now Included in Accredited Hospitals

In a significant move to enhance healthcare accessibility, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has announced that it will now cover all outpatient emergency cases in accredited hospitals ranging from levels 1 to 3. This expansion of services falls under the Facility-Based Emergency (FBE) benefit package, as detailed in a recent news release from the state insurer. The initiative aligns with the Outpatient Emergency Care Benefit (OECB) package, which was introduced towards the end of last year via PhilHealth Circular No. 2024-0033. Further details on this development were provided in PhilHealth Advisory No. 2025-0009, released on February 18, 2025. Additionally, PhilHealth has indicated that coverage for ambulance services under the Prehospital Emergency benefit will be forthcoming. Hospitals have been reminded that no additional accreditation is required to offer FBE benefits, as these are already encompassed within their existing hospital accreditation. For hospitals with extension facilities, a certification must be submitted to the respective PhilHealth Regional Offices, including the name and complete address of the affiliated extension facility.