PhilHealth expands coverage for kidney patients

PhilHealth

The state-run Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) expanded its treatment coverage for chronic kidney disease patients to a maximum of 144 hemodialysis sessions – up from an earlier maximum of 90 sessions – until December 31, according to PhilHealth Circular No. 2022-0017 that took effect on Wednesday.

However, it noted that sessions 91 to 144 shall be used only for outpatient dialysis while any unused session would not be carried over to 2023.

Those who have already reached more than 90 sessions prior to the issuance of the circular may file their benefit claims with any PhilHealth office or local health insurance, the circular stated.

Those who will not be able to file claims due to natural calamity or other unforeseen events will be given an extension of up to 120 days, provided that the qualified patient is being treated or living in an area under a state of calamity.

Members and their dependents currently enrolled in the PhilHealth Dialysis Database are eligible for this updated coverage, the Department of Health said. —Kathleen de Villa