CLARK FREEPORT – Philippine Health Insurance (Philhealth) on Monday tapped the fourth state in Central Luzon in its bid to reach-out to different communities in the region as part of the massive information campaign targeting senior citizens and pregnant women.
Philhealth Vice President for Region 3 Walter Bacareza said there are still residents in some areas missed by other government agencies which are afraid to go to hospitals because of high costs of hospitalization.
Bacareza encouraged senior citizens and pregnant women to avail of the government free hospitalization under the universal health care programs.
“Ang hiling ko lamang sa ating taga-media na sabihin sa ating mga senior citizens na protektado na sila ng Philhealth,” Bacareza appealed to reporters during the Philhealth ‘Media Pasasalamat’ held at the Royce Hotel and Casino inside the Clark Freeport Zone.
Bacareza said senior citizens are automatically covered by Philhealth .
For pregnant women who belong to poor family, Bacareza said they will be admitted in government hospitals through Philhealth point of care program. “Huwag silang matakot dahil nandito ang Philhealth, hindi natin sila pababayaan.”
Bacareza said non-members of Philhealth can be covered by the Philhealth through the point of care program. He said government hospitals are ready to accommodate them.
Bacareza said all medical facilities in Central Luzon are accredited by Philhealth. “One hundred percent of all facilities are accredited by Philhealth. So there’s no reason to prevent them from going to hospitals to seek their medical and health needs.”
“In fact Region 3 has the most number of Philhealth accredited hospitals in the entire country,” Bacareza pointed out.
Joining the “Philhealth Media Pasasalamat” are the different government agencies including Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), and Philippine Information Agency (PIA).
Bacareza also announced the Philhealth expanded benefit packages for children with disabilities dubbed as “Z” benefits.
Covered under the “Z” benefits are patients with hearing impairment, visual impairment, mobility impairment, and developmental disability, said Bacareza.
“Z” benefit packages also applies to Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) or heart bypass surgery where Philhealth shoulder the expenses not less than P550,000.00. Bacareza said kidney transplant is also covered by this package.