THE Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) clarified that special privileges granted during the State of Emergency had been revoked following its lifting.
During the Kapehan sa Dabaw held at SM City Davao on August 7, Dr. Marie Allexis Campaner, officer-in-charge of the Health Care Delivery Management Division (HCDMC) and Head of the Benefits Administration Section (BAS) in PhilHealth-Davao Region, explained that the conclusion of the public health emergency on July 21, 2023, led to the relaxation of health and safety protocols, as well as the discontinuation of special hospital benefits.
One notable change involved the adjustment of the filing period for claims. The previous 120-day prescription period, as outlined in PhilHealth Circular No. 2020-007, has been reduced back to 60 days.
Similarly, the provisions from PhilHealth Circular No. 2020-007, including the single period of confinement rule and the 45-day benefit limit during the pandemic, which was previously lifted, have been reinstated effective January 1, 2023.
Despite these changes, Campaner assured that the reimbursement of the full financial risk protection offered to frontliners during the state of emergency would continue. The benefits remain unchanged, ensuring that claims can be submitted and reimbursed.
"Rest assured sa [to the] stakeholders sa [of] Philhealth na [that] it is in a very good cash position. They'll be able to reimburse all of the claims of partner hospitals," she said.
Lifting the state of public health emergency was based on several factors, including a decline in Covid-19 mortality rates, reduced hospitalizations, and fewer intensive care unit admissions.
Meanwhile, Filbert Bryan Sollesta, chief of the Field Office Division in PhilHealth-Davao Region, took the opportunity to promote their Konsulta Program, which focuses on preventive health services to mitigate the progression of illnesses.
Sollesta urged individuals to register with PhilHealth, emphasizing that benefits would not be granted without proper membership registration.
He encouraged the public not to delay registration until hospitalization becomes necessary, as it could lead to additional concerns and costs. (Danielle Mari J. Losis and Jeramme Leahbelle G. Misamen/NDDU Interns)