PhilHealth extends implant assistance to Mindanao earthquake victims

Areas in Mindanao under a State of Calamity were granted provisional contracting for selected orthopedic implants and other special privileges, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) announced Saturday.

Under PhilHealth Advisory No. 2026-0034, the provisions of PhilHealth Circular No. 2025-0023 are applied anew to those who have been affected and who need orthopedic implants due to the magnitude 7.8 earthquake on June 8.

The 2025 Circular was first implemented for the victims of the October 10, 2025, Davao Oriental Earthquake. It granted “provisional contracting for Z-Benefits for selected orthopedic implants and other special privileges to healthcare facilities and professionals, and to PhilHealth members."

PhilHealth said the following provisions will only apply for the duration of the declaration:

PhilHealth will cover the full cost of covered orthopedic implants for earthquake-related injuries under the Z Benefit for Selected Orthopedic Implants.

Filipinos in the affected areas may avail of the full range of PhilHealth benefits regardless of whether they are admitted in basic, semi-private, or private accommodation, in both public and private health facilities.

Health facilities that are not currently contracted with PhilHealth to provide Z Benefits for Selected Orthopedic Implants may apply for provisional contracting.

To reduce administrative burden during the emergency period, the documentary requirements for Z Benefit for Selected Orthopedic Implants claims are simplified to include only Claim Form 1, Claim Form 2; and the Operative Record.

PhilHealth-accredited orthopedic surgeons may render services and claim PhilHealth compensation even when operating in health facilities with which they are not primarily affiliated, provided that the hospital management of the receiving facility extends them that privilege.

Members without a PhilHealth Identification Number (PIN), or those not yet registered with PhilHealth, may still avail of benefits. Health facilities shall facilitate registration by attaching a properly accomplished PhilHealth Membership Registration Form (PMRF) to the claims, together with available supporting documents, and submitting these manually to the nearest PhilHealth Regional Office.

PhilHealth advised healthcare providers wishing to provide the Z Benefit for Selected Orthopedic Implants to contact the Local Health Insurance Office to avail of these services. –NB, GMA News