To further boost the country’s targeted testing capacity, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation will now pay for SARS-CoV-2 testing using cartridge-based polymerase chain reaction or PCR tests.
Based on PhilHealth Circular No. 2021-0003, the benefit can be availed of by all members as prescribed by the Department of Health.
The new benefit package ranges from P1,059 to P2,287 and will be paid directly to the accredited testing laboratories following these conditions:
– PCR cartridges are donated to the testing laboratory and the cost of running the cartridge-based PCR test is subsidized by the government (P1,059),
– PCR cartridges are donated to the testing laboratory (P1,099), and
– All services and supplies for the testing are procured and provided by the testing laboratory (P2,287)
Members eligible to the said benefit is determined through DOH Memorandum No. 2020-0258-A.
The memo enumerates the priority sub-groups of “at-risk” population needing SARS-CoV-2 testing which include individuals with symptoms and relevant history of travel and/or contact; those with no symptoms but with relevant history of travel or contact or high risk of exposure; contact-traced individuals; healthcare workers; other vulnerable patients like pregnant women, immunocompromised and dialysis patients; returning Overseas Filipino Workers who shall immediately be tested at the port of entry; and frontline and economic priority workers, including mass media.
Eligible members should not be charged co-payment/additional payment beyond the set rates, except when availing of extra services such as online appointments, drive thru or home services, among others.
For more details on this package, members and accredited testing laboratories are encouraged to read the full guidelines at https://www.philhealth.gov.ph/circulars/2021/circ2021-0003.pdf or visit the nearest regional or local health insurance office for direct assistance.