PhilHealth to cover COVID-19 hospital expenses

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) will cover the hospital expenses of Filipinos diagnosed with COVID-19.

PhilHealth President Ricardo Morales stated that the agency aims to provide confidence and peace of mind to healthcare workers, allowing them to focus on their jobs.

This coverage extends to hospitalized patients who are persons under investigation (PUIs) for COVID-19.

Expenses for individuals undergoing home quarantine will not be covered as treatments are not monitored.

PhilHealth has released an initial P1.6 billion to accredited hospitals for their COVID-19 response, as part of a larger P30 billion fund allocation.

The Bayanihan to Heal as One Act mandates PhilHealth to shoulder all medical expenses of health workers exposed to the coronavirus during the state of national emergency.

PhilHealth will also shoulder COVID-19 testing costs, provided the testing is prescribed by a health professional.