MANILA — In a significant move to alleviate the financial strain on chronic kidney disease patients, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has announced an increase in the reimbursement rate for hemodialysis sessions from PHP4,000 to PHP6,350. This change took effect on October 7, according to PhilHealth Circular No. 2024-0023.
This adjustment is aimed at providing better financial support to members and their qualified dependents suffering from chronic kidney disease stage 5 (CKD5). Patients can now access the revised package at any accredited dialysis facility nationwide.
Emmanuel Ledesma, PhilHealth’s president and CEO, emphasized the organization’s commitment to enhancing healthcare benefits. “We make good on our promise to take concrete steps to ensure that our benefit packages respond adequately to the needs of patients, which is a core objective of the Universal Health Care law,” Ledesma stated.
Despite a previous increase to PHP4,000 per session in July, reports indicated that patients were still burdened with significant out-of-pocket expenses. The latest increase aims to eliminate co-payments for the essential minimum services required during dialysis.
The comprehensive package now allows each CKD5 patient to receive up to PHP990,600 annually in financial protection. Covered services include critical components such as anti-coagulation medications, anemia management drugs, necessary laboratory tests, and essential supplies like dialyzers and hemodialysis solutions.
Additional benefits encompass administrative fees, machine usage costs, facility fees, utilities, and staff time in both public and private accredited facilities. However, patients opting for services beyond the standard care will still face co-payments.
A professional fee cap of PHP450 is imposed for additional services such as telemedicine or immediate interventions during complications. In instances of co-payment, dialysis centers are required to provide clear explanations to patients.
PhilHealth’s initiative marks a pivotal effort to enhance healthcare accessibility and reduce the financial burden on CKD5 patients, aligning with the broader goals of the Universal Health Care law.
