PhilHealth: Benefits increase for heat-related illnesses timely amid hot weather

The increase in PhilHealth benefits is timely amid the extreme heat and the rise in heat-related conditions, an official of the state insurer said.

In Ivan Mayrina's report on 24 Oras on Monday, PhilHealth corporate affairs vice president Rey Baleña cited the 30% increase in the benefits package for heat stroke and heat exhaustion, which went into effect in February.

"Dating P6,500, naging P8,450. Napapanahon sapagkat marami tayong kababayan, tayong lahat nararanasan natin ang matinding init ng panahon," he said.

Thirty-four cases of heat-related illnesses were recorded nationwide by the Department of Health in the period from January to April 18 this year, with six resulting in death, the DOH is still investigating whether the deaths were due to these heat conditions.

The benefits packages for other illnesses have also increased, some by more than 30%, or been expanded. The insurance coverage for breast cancer, for instance, has increased to cover all stages, compared to extending only to Stage 3A. The maximum coverage has also increased from P100,000 to P1.4 million.

The maximum benefit for acute ischemic stroke has been increased from P28,000 to P76,000, while for acute hemorrhagic stroke it has increased from P38,000 to P80,000, and for high-risk pneumonia from P32,000 to P92,000.

The case rates for six other illnesses are expected to increase this year. — BM, GMA Integrated News