LEGAZPI CITY – The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in the Bicol region has reassured its members of ample financial resources to meet their healthcare needs in 2025. At a recent ‘Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas’ forum held at the regional office in Legazpi City, Albay, PhilHealth-5 Vice President Alberto Manduriao announced a PHP4.1 billion budget for the upcoming year.
Manduriao emphasized that PhilHealth is well-equipped to handle the medical expenses of its members, stating, ‘PhilHealth has secured the necessary funds to ensure that all our members’ benefits and hospital claims are covered.’ He detailed that the budget encompasses allocations for personal services, operational costs, capital investments, and crucially, benefit payments.
Looking ahead to 2025, PhilHealth plans to roll out new healthcare packages, including Diagnosis-Related Groups, a Comprehensive Outpatient Benefit Package, and specialized Z Benefits for procedures like heart valve surgery, treatments for children with disabilities, and various cancer treatments including prostate and cervical cancer, as well as open-heart surgeries. Additionally, there will be revised case rates for chemotherapy for lung, liver, ovarian, and prostate cancers, alongside improved diagnostic services and Z benefits for prostate and cervical carcinoma.
Manduriao stressed the importance of maintaining essential services such as inpatient and outpatient care, and preventive health programs, especially for the most vulnerable populations, to mitigate any potential funding issues. He reflected on the previous year’s performance, noting that in 2024, PhilHealth-5 disbursed PHP5.7 billion for 619,400 claims.
Addressing the 6.3 million members in Bicol, Manduriao encouraged them to prioritize their health, understand their benefits, and make use of PhilHealth services when needed. He reiterated the commitment of PhilHealth to continue paying all claims, echoing the sentiments of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who has emphasized the importance of healthcare accessibility for all Filipinos.