RITM says non-PhilHealth members are accepted for COVID-19 testing

The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) on Sunday denied claims that specimens collected from individuals unregistered with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) were not accepted by COVID-19 testing centers.

In a statement, the RITM said all COVID-19 testing activities—from receipt of specimens to release of results— are “performed in accordance with interagency directives.”

The RITM also said that samples within its catchment zone are accepted for testing regardless of the patient’s PhilHealth membership status.

“If you are recommended for COVID-19 testing—or have already been swabbed—and you are yet to become a PhilHealth member, don’t worry, you will still be accommodated. To expand COVID-19 testing to more individuals from wider groups and locations, PhilHealth has made it more accessible for non-members to register at point of care. RITM, in turn, is fully ready and equipped to assist you in your PhilHealth enrolment,” RITM director Dr. Celia Carlos said.

The RITM said Disease Reporting Units are primarily accountable in “collecting and forwarding specimens.”

The research facility urged non-PhilHealth members to fill out the PhilHealth Registration Membership Form (PRMF) provided by the DRUs and submit a government-issued ID. The RITM will then assist patients with their PhilHealth enrollment.

“Once enrolled, patients would be able to avail not just the benefit claims for testing, but hospitalization and other benefits offered by PhilHealth as well,” RITM said.

“We regularly apprise hospitals and DRUs regarding internal and national issues on COVID-19 testing as they develop. These updates come daily because we want everyone to be fully informed and appreciative of why all these forms are necessary. At the end of the day, our priority is the health of the public, the delivery of accurate results, and the protection of everyone’s right to claim benefits,” Carlos added.

Moreover, according to the RITM, under PhilHealth Circular No. 2020-0010 titled “Benefit package for testing for SARS-CoV-2,” all individuals classified as eligible for testing based on DOH guidelines, as well as all COVID-19 cases that require repeated testing, can avail of the benefit package.

Meanwhile, non-members shall also be automatically covered, even without prior contributions, provided that they have completed the membership registration upon availment of the benefit. — Ma. Angelica Garcia/BM, GMA News