Unlimited dialysis through PhilHealth to end after Sept. 15

The unlimited dialysis through PhilHealth will end after September 15, as the state of calamity declared over the country is lifted after six months since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the Philippines.

A Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) circular stated the 90 dialysis sessions limit would not be in effect during the state of calamity, Maki Pulido reported on “24 Oras,” Wednesday.

This means PhilHealth would still shoulder the payment for the additional sessions even if patients already used up their free dialysis during a state of calamity.

“Kung ma-exhaust na nila ‘yung kanilang cap, ‘yung 45 o 90 days. Hangga’t tayo po ay nasa pandemya, kung sila ay mangangailangan ng dialysis, sila ay makaka-avail pa rin ng benefit,” PhilHealth spokesperson Rey Baleña said.

(If they already exhausted their cap, the 45 or 90 days. As long as we are in the pandemic, if they need dialysis, they will still be able to avail the benefit.)

President Rodrigo Duterte placed the entire country under a state of calamity on March 17, so the government could utilize more funds to contain the spread of the virus.

Unlimited dialysis through PhilHealth to end by Sept. 15

Dialysis sessions availed during the period of the state of calamity, would not be counted for 2021.

According to PhilHealth, patients who paid for their sessions from March 17 could avail refunds from PhilHealth offices as long as they have receipts.

“Baka hindi lang aware ‘yung dialysis center kasi alam talaga nila na up to 90 days. Pero kapag may ganito tayong situations na under fortuitous event, may special privilege tayong in-extend sa mga miyembro,” Baleña said.

(Maybe the dialysis center is not aware because they really know that it is up to 90 days. But when we have situations like this under fortuitous event, we have a special privilege extended to members.)

Meanwhile, patients and their families appeal to the government to continue the free and unlimited dialysis sessions even after the state of calamity is lifted.

“Wala kaming pambayad, ‘yun ang problema kawawa ‘yung bata. Dapat ituloy-tuloy na ‘yun,” Larry Jabeta, father of dialysis patient said.

(We can’t afford to pay for it, I feel sorry for my child. That should be continued.)