NEW BENEFIT IN FOCUS: PHILHEALTH OUTPATIENT MENTAL HEALTH PACKAGE TO SUPPORT “INVISIBLE” PAINS OF FILIPINOS.
PhilHealth is committed to holistically addressing the healthcare needs of every Filipino. “Nais naming ipaabot na kahit hindi nakikita ang inyong daing, may PhilHealth na magbibigay ng suporta at alaga sa inyo. Ito po ay alinsunod sa mga prayoridad ng ating Pangulong Marcos,” said Dr. Edwin M. Mercado, PhilHealth Acting President and CEO.
Through the PhilHealth’s Outpatient Benefits Package for Mental Health [PhilHealth Circular 2023-0018], members and dependents aged 10 and above, can now access services encompassing initial assessments, follow-up consultations, diagnostic tests, and psychosocial support.
It covers conditions such as depression, psychosis, epilepsy, child and adolescent mental and behavioral disorders, dementia, and self-harm or suicide risks, among others.
As such, those requiring specialized care are provided with access to interventions from psychiatrists, neurologists, and psychologists. PhilHealth provides annual coverage of Php 9,000 for general mental health services and Php 16,000 for specialized care.
Members can access these benefits at any accredited facility that provides general mental health services. These facilities include rural health units (RHUs), city or municipal health offices, level 1 and 2 hospitals, Department of Health (DOH) Medicine Access Programmental health access sites, and stand alone mental health clinics.
On the other hand, specialized mental health services can be accessed at accredited Level 2 and 3 hospitals with specialized staff, custodial care facilities, and national specialty centers identified by DOH.
“We recognize the importance of accessible mental health services for every Filipino. Kaya naman, katuwang din natin ang Kagawaran ng Kalusugan sa patuloy pang pagpapalawig ng ating mga serbisyo para sa kalusugang pangkaisipan.
We are calling for more providers to participate and make these services within reach of Filipinos with mental health struggles,” added Dr. Mercado.
Beyond the Mental Health package, PhilHealth encourages individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or mental health distress to utilize readily available 24/7 crisis hotlines, including the National Center for Mental Health hotline at 0917-899 8727 or 989-8727, for immediate counseling.
PhilHealth remains committed to strengthening the nation’s mental health service infrastructure and ensuring that quality care is accessible to all Filipinos needing them. For more questions on the MH benefit package and other benefits, members can call the following 24/7 touch points: (02) 866-225-88; mobile numbers 0998-857-2957, 0968-865- 4670, 0917-1275987 or 0917-1109812.###
#Rise30 #SamasamangPagangatParaSaBagongPilipinas Reference: Dr. Israel Francis A. Pargas 0917-808939
In Case You Missed It: OUTPATIENT EMERGENCY CASES NOW COVERED
Starting February 14, all outpatient emergency cases in accredited levels 1 to 3 hospitals are covered by PhilHealth’s Facility-Based Emergency (FBE) benefit in accordance with the Outpatient Emergency Care Benefit (OECB) package introduced late last year through PhilHealth Circular 2024-0033.
This is according to PhilHealth Advisory No. 2025-0009 published on February 18, 2025. Meanwhile, coverage for ambulance services under the Prehospital Emergency (PHE) benefit will be announced at a later date.
Hospitals are also reminded that they do not need separate accreditation to provide FBE benefits as it is already included in their accreditation as hospitals. However, those with extension facilities must submit to their respective PhilHealth Regional Offices a certification stating the name of affiliated extension facility and its complete address.
For more information, members may call the following 24/7 touch points: (02) 866-225-88; mobile numbers 0998-857-2957, 0968-865-4670, 0917-1275987 or 0917-1109812. ###
