PhilHealth now covers outpatient emergency care benefit

Malacañang announced Thursday that the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) will now cover emergency procedures and other services for patients who do not require hospital confinement.

The introduction of the Outpatient Emergency Care Benefit (OECB) package expands PhilHealth’s coverage to include outpatient emergency services, offering immediate financial assistance and healthcare support to its members.

In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the OECB, which took effect on February 14, covers various common health issues such as dizziness and diarrhea.

“Ito’y package sa lahat ng mga PhilHealth-accredited hospitals mula Level 1 hanggang Level 3 simula pa noong Feb. 14, 2025,” she said.

Castro emphasized that this initiative aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to expand and improve PhilHealth benefits for Filipinos.

She further noted that, according to PhilHealth’s latest advisory, separate accreditation for the OECB is no longer required, as it is now automatically part of the accreditation process for all PhilHealth facilities.

“Ayon sa PhilHealth Advisory No. 2025-0009, hindi na kailangan ng mga hiwalay na accreditation para sa OECB dahil bahagi na ito ng pagsusuri sa mga PhilHealth facilities noong sila ay na-accredited,” Castro said.

Since its establishment under the National Health Insurance Act (Republic Act 7875), PhilHealth has been providing sustainable and affordable health insurance to Filipinos since 1995.