DOST-PCHRD partners with PhilHealth to expand new benefit packages 

Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!

Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.

Visit Suniway.ph to learn

MILLIONS of Filipinos now have better access to physical medicine and rehabilitation services, including assistive mobility devices, thanks to Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth)’s new benefit package developed through a partnership between the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) and PhilHealth. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities (PWDs) while ensuring financial risk protection.

The benefit package was developed through a research project, led by Dr. Josephine Bundoc of Physicians for Peace Philippines, with funding from PhilHealth Studies, which supports the Thrust for Universal Health Care through Data, Information and Knowledge Exchange Systems. The PhilHealth Studies is a joint program initiated to conduct research geared toward health policy reforms aligned with Universal Health Care. 

PhilHealth previously introduced the Z Benefits Package, primarily covering rehabilitation services for stroke and heart attack patients as well as outpatient care for children with disabilities. 

This newly expanded package significantly broadens access to essential rehabilitation services and mobility aids, ensuring quality care while alleviating financial burdens on patients. This enhanced coverage now includes initial, follow-up and discharge assessments, rehabilitation therapies, assistive mobility devices, laboratory and diagnostic tests, and necessary medications. 

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, approximately 12 percent of Filipinos aged 15 years and older experience severe disability, underscoring the need for accessible health care solutions.

To provide coverage for rehabilitation services, the package encompasses a range of services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language pathology services, and psychological support.

Additionally, assistive mobility devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and canes are also covered, helping individuals regain independence and improve their quality of life.

To ensure the effective implementation of the package, PhilHealth issued Circular 2025-0003, which outlines the standards of care, provider requirements, referral protocols and covered services with corresponding rates. These guidelines are informed by data gathered through the PhilHealth Studies research project. 

“Research is essential in crafting health policies and programs that address the real-world needs of [PWDs],” said DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Dr. Jaime Montoya. 

“The PhilHealth Studies Program bridges health policymakers with research that enhances health care accessibility for Filipinos,” he added.

Beyond rehabilitation and assistive device coverage, the PhilHealth Studies has contributed to the development of new benefit packages prioritizing other health conditions, including mental health conditions and heart disease. 

One key initiative is the Outpatient Benefit Package for Mental Health, with the team of Dr. Lester Sam Geroy of the Alliance for Improving Health Outcomes providing technical assistance to the policy development. 

The package was introduced in 2023 through PhilHealth Circular 2023-0018, featuring two sub-packages: general mental health services and specialty mental health services, ensuring a broader spectrum of support for individuals in need.

Under the package, patients can avail of up to P9,000 worth of general mental health services per year, which covers screening, diagnostics, 12 follow-up visits, psychoeducation, and access to Department of Health-provided essential medicines. 

For specialty mental health services, coverage is up to P16,000 per year, which includes diagnostics, psychotherapy and follow-up visits with psychiatrists, neurologists or psychologists. 

To provide financial protection against high cost of treatment for heart attack, particularly those with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (Stemi), Geroy’s team provided technical assistance in the development of the Benefit Package for Ischemic Heart Disease - Acute Myocardial Infarction, which covers four essential sub-packages: percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), fibrinolysis, emergency medical services (EMS) with coordinated interfacility transfers and cardiac rehabilitation.

The package was launched through PhilHealth Circular No. 2024-0032, significantly expanding coverage for heart attack services with package rates of P523,853 for PCI, P133,500 for fibrinolysis, P21,900 for EMS with coordinated interfacility transfer, and P66,140 for cardiac rehabilitation.

These and other key benefit packages such as the Benefit Package for Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation Services and Assistive Mobility Devices, along with the Outpatient Benefit Package for Mental Health, and the Stemi patients, the Benefit Package for Ischemic Heart Disease - Acute Myocardial Infarction were the focal points of the DOST-PCHRD’s Talakayang HeaRT Beat Press Conference on June 11, 2025. 

During the event, representatives from the DOST-PCHRD and PhilHealth engaged with the media, sharing updates on the implementation and utilization of the health care packages developed through the PhilHealth Studies initiative.

“Through evidence-based health policy reforms, PhilHealth and DOST-PCHRD remain committed to making healthcare more accessible. By expanding support for [PWDs] and patients with critical health conditions, we reinforce the fundamental belief that quality health care should be a right, not a privilege,” said Dr. Montoya.

This partnership between DOST and PhilHealth is aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra “OneDOST4U: Solutions, Opportunities for All.” 

For more information, visit www.dost.gov.ph.