MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) disbursed PHP5.1 billion in medical and procedural claims in the Ilocos Region between January and July this year, the agency reported on Thursday. The majority of claims were for moderate-risk pneumonia, with PHP381.7 million paid out in the first seven months.
According to Philippines News Agency, Vice President Dennis Adre detailed that other leading medical cases included hypertensive emergencies, acute gastroenteritis, peptic ulcer disease without hemorrhage, and dengue fever, among others. Hemodialysis claims ranked first in procedure-related claims, with PHP815 million paid during the period.
PhilHealth implemented a 30 percent increase across over 9,000 case rate packages this year and expanded coverage for certain high-cost conditions. The Z Benefit Package for Breast Cancer, for example, saw a significant increase from PHP100,000 to PHP1.4 million. Other enhancements include increased coverage for neonatal sepsis, bronchial asthma, and expanded hemodialysis sessions for patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 5.
Adre also noted PhilHealth’s fast claim processing time, averaging 13 days—well within the mandated 60 days—and ongoing efforts to reconcile accounts with hospitals through the Financial Management and Reporting Enhancement Program.