President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced Wednesday that PhilHealth will significantly raise its maternity benefit packages beginning April 30, with coverage for normal hospital deliveries jumping nearly threefold — from P9,750 to P29,000.
Mothers delivering via caesarean section will also see higher coverage, with PhilHealth reimbursements rising from P37,000 to P58,000.
Beyond delivery costs, prenatal and postnatal care are also being expanded under the updated packages. “Prenatal care has also been expanded. From four checkups, it will now cover eight under PhilHealth. Vaccinations and laboratory tests are also included. And after giving birth, there are three follow-up visits that are now covered as well,” Marcos noted.
The president framed the benefit increases as a measure to remove financial barriers for expectant mothers. He said the initiative is part of the government’s effort to ensure mothers can have safe deliveries without worrying about how they will pay their hospital bills.
