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PhilHealth assures confinement benefits for dengue, leptospirosis cases

ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR, 12 Sept (PIA) - In a bid to address the rising cases and provide financial relief to affected individuals, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) reaffirmed its commitment to covering the treatment of dengue and leptospirosis. These diseases can have severe consequences if left untreated, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.

Marson Bolandos, Social Health Assistant-1 of PhilHealth - ZDS said during the recent ‘Kapihan sa PIA ug DXPR’ that under PhilHealth's coverage, individuals who are hospitalized due to dengue fever can receive financial assistance.

PhilHealth pays P10,000 for hospitalizations related to dengue with or without warning signs and P16,000 for severe dengue cases. For leptospirosis hospitalizations, PhilHealth covers P11,000 in expenses.

Recent reports from the Department of Health (DOH) showed a significant increase in dengue cases in Zamboanga del Sur and the Philippines as a whole. As of May 31, 2023, the province had seen a substantial rise in dengue cases, with 2,272 cases recorded, compared to 1,962 cases in 2022 which marks a 39% increase, according to data from DOH.

With the rainy season in full swing, the DOH also reported over 80,000 cases of dengue and more than 2,000 cases of leptospirosis nationwide as of July 15, 2023.

As of June 5, 2023, PhilHealth has disbursed more than P700 million for 76,000 dengue-related claims and P19 million for 1,654 leptospirosis claims nationwide.

Bolandos emphasized during the program that every Filipino is eligible to avail themselves of PhilHealth benefits under the Universal Health Care Law. “Under sa Universal Health Care Law, dapat every Filipiino, maka-avail na gayud. Wala na gayud dili pwede mu-avail (Under the Universal Health Care Law, every Filipino should be able to avail themselves of it. No one should be ineligible to avail),” he said.

When asked about the process for availing benefits, Bolandos explained that members can access the PhilHealth portal to check their eligibility and coverage. Hospital records are updated automatically through this system, streamlining the process.

For those who were not aware of the coverage at the time of their hospitalization or discharge, Bolandos stressed that they have 60 days from the date of discharge to submit their claims to PhilHealth. Necessary documents include official receipts, statements of accounts, waiver forms, claim forms, and a motion for reconsideration explaining why they did not avail themselves of the coverage during their confinement.

Bolandos reminded the public to keep their PhilHealth records updated. “Please update your records sa PhilHealth para smooth ang inyong availment in cases ma-admit. Isa pa, ‘alamin at gamitin’. Always ask PhilHealth sa inyong mga concerns ("Please update your records with PhilHealth for a smooth process in case of admission. Also, 'learn and use it.' Always consult PhilHealth for your concerns),” he said.

Individuals may contact PhilHealth ZDS through pagadianlhio@gmail.com. Bolandos assures that PhilHealth is committed to providing timely assistance and support to all members. (RVC/HTB/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur)

About the Author

Harvy Bangayan

Information Officer

Region 9

Harvy T. Bangayan earned his Bachelor's degree in Computer Science at the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) and is now pursuing his Master's degree in Public Administration at the same institution. A music lover, he now writes news in Zamboanga del Sur and manages the PIA Zamboanga del Sur Facebook page.

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