PhilHealth provides financial benefits for women with cancer

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino women can avail financial assistance to aid them in treatment of certain cancer diseases, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) said Monday.

PhilHealth said it offers Z Benefit packages for some gynecologic illnesses, including early stage breast cancer (stage 0 to III-A) amounting P100,000 which is inclusive of surgery and chemotherapy, among others.

Women with cervical cancer can also get a PhilHealth benefit package based on their treatment options. A total of P125,000 is available for those who need primary surgery or pelvic cobalt radiation with low dose brachytherapy, whereas P175,000 is available for pelvic radiation with a linear accelerator and high dosage brachytherapy, said PhilHealth.

However, PhilHealth reminded that certain selection criteria have been set to ensure high survival rates and better health outcomes.

Currently, PhilHealth has signed contracts with 19 hospitals for its Z breast cancer package and six hospitals for its cervical cancer package.

Aside from cancer, PhilHealth also reminded women of other benefits it offers such as treatment for gynecological problems including ovarian cystectomy for P23,300, vaginal hysterectomy for P30,300, dilatation and curettage for P11,000, and mastectomy for P22,000.

“PhilHealth remains committed to the health and well-being of Filipino women through the various benefit packages it offers in partnership with accredited and contracted healthcare providers nationwide,” PhilHealth said in a statement. — Jericho Zafra, INQUIRER.net intern

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