Kidney transplant patients may soon receive a more substantial Philippine Health Insurance (PhilHealth) benefit package as the benefits committee, led by Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, met to explore improvements in this critical service.
The committee discussed ways to enhance the current package of ₱600,000, which has remained unchanged since its introduction in 2012. Herbosa emphasized the importance of prioritizing kidney transplants over long-term hemodialysis, citing better outcomes and lower overall costs.
“Kidney transplantation remains the gold standard for patients with end-stage renal disease. Post-transplant patients enjoy a better quality of life and are more productive than those on lifelong dialysis,” Herbosa explained.
The committee is also reviewing PhilHealth’s current payment system, which only covers the two most expensive diagnoses or procedures for a patient. Herbosa acknowledged the limitations of this approach, calling for reforms to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for families.
“We are addressing not just kidney transplant benefits but also prevention strategies for diabetes and hypertension to lower the risk of kidney failure altogether,” he added.
The proposed changes align with the Universal Health Care Act, which mandates PhilHealth to adopt advanced payment models that account for patient characteristics and overall care needs.
