THE Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) yesterday said it is spending close to P1 million annually for patients with chronic kidney disease stage 5 (CKD5) for the full coverage of their hemodialysis treatment.
In a statement, PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Emmanuel Ledesma said a CKD5 patient is now entitled to a maximum of P990,600 in financial protection per year.
“With the increase to P6,350 per session, a CKD5 patient is now entitled to a maximum of P990,600 in financial protection per year, from the previous P624,000 per year at P4,000 per session,” said Ledesma.
The statement was issued after Senate deputy majority leader Joseph Victor Ejercito called for the replacement of Ledesma at PhilHealth.
Ejercito said this is due to Ledesma’s supposed failure to fully implement the Universal Health Care Law.
PhilHealth had earlier said that coverage for dialysis has been increased from 90 to 156 sessions per year.
The agency said the benefit package includes anti-coagulation medications and drugs and medicines for the management of anemia, various laboratory tests, supplies such as dialyzers, hemodialysis solutions, and a dialysis kit per session.
It also includes administrative fees for the use of dialysis machines, facility fees, utilities, and staff time in all accredited public and private hemodialysis facilities.
Ledesma said the massive benefit coverage for hemodialysis benefit packages is clear proof the agency is responsive to the needs of its members.
“This is clear proof that PhilHealth is not only listening to our members. We make good on our promise to take concrete steps to ensure that our benefit packages respond adequately to the needs of patients,” said Ledesma.
