PhilHealth raises free dialysis coverage from 90 to 144 sessions

The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) raised the limit for free dialysis coverage from 90 to 144 sessions, available until December 31, 2021.

In its Circular No. 2024-0009 published on July 2, Friday, the state health insurer said the expanded hemodialysis coverage covers its members and their dependents with chronic kidney disease stage 5 (CKD 5) who are currently enrolled in the PhilHealth Dialysis Database (PDD).

It said that the circular takes effect immediately upon publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

The policy covers the 91st to 144th outpatient hemodialysis sessions conducted in the remaining months of 2021.

PhilHealth clarified that any unused sessions will not be carried over to 2022.

“Prior to the publication of this PhilHealth Circular, qualified CKD 5 patients who already used their 91st to 144th hemodialysis sessions and whose hemodialysis benefits have not yet been deducted from their medical bill, may directly file with PhilHealth regional/branch office or local health insurance office,” the circular read.

In issuing the circular, the state insurer noted that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to challenge the health system and has led to devastating impacts on poverty and loss of human life.

“The cost of hemodialysis can be a financial barrier in accessing healthcare and can push the patients and their families to financial hardships,” it said.

“Cognizant to the needs of its members, PhilHealth intends to increase the coverage of hemodialysis while balancing the available resources to fund this benefit,” it added. — DVM, GMA News