PhilHealth expands coverage for chronic kidney disease, critical illnesses

PhilHealth has expanded its benefit packages to alleviate financial burdens on patients suffering from chronic kidney disease and other critical health conditions.

Dr. Israel Francis Pargas, PhilHealth's Senior Vice President for Health Finance and Policy Sector, stated that the expansion aims to address the rising number of Filipinos developing end-stage renal diseases.

In the first half of 2025, PhilHealth paid nearly PHP27 billion for over two million hemodialysis claims, almost matching the PHP28 billion paid for the entire year of 2024.

PhilHealth also expanded its benefits for peritoneal dialysis and kidney transplantation, including coverage for deceased organ donors, raising the maximum coverage to PHP 1.2 million for children and over PHP 1 million for adults.

PhilHealth's Z-Benefit Package now covers post-kidney transplantation services for adult and pediatric patients, providing monthly immunosuppressive medications and prophylaxis or antibiotics to prevent infection, as well as quarterly laboratory procedures.

PhilHealth is also looking into expanding its packages for prostate, ovarian, cervical colorectal cancer, and heart conditions, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling the '4Ms' (registering, updating information, paying premiums, and using benefits) to ensure the sustainability and reach of PhilHealth's services.