PhilHealth has announced a major expansion of its HIV/AIDS benefits package, providing stronger financial support and wider access to care for persons living with HIV (PLHIV). This move comes as part of the government’s intensified response to the rising number of HIV cases nationwide.
The Outpatient HIV/AIDS Treatment (OHAT) Package now offers P14,625 per quarter, nearly doubling the previous P7,500 allocation. Annual coverage has increased to P58,500, up from P30,000, representing a 95% boost in benefits.
Beyond financial support, PhilHealth has expanded the scope of services to include: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all confirmed HIV-positive individuals, comprehensive laboratory tests such as viral load, CD4 count, lipid profile, CBC, serum creatinine, and fasting blood sugar, monitoring for drug toxicity and early detection of opportunistic infections like tuberculosis, counseling and consultations to ensure holistic HIV management.
PhilHealth emphasized that all HIV-related services will be delivered with strict confidentiality, safeguarding the privacy of members. The expansion also aligns with the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP), which promotes awareness, prevention, and community support.
Access in Cebu
Residents of Cebu can avail of these benefits through PhilHealth-accredited hospitals and treatment hubs, including: Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, Chong Hua Hospital Mandaue, and Visayas Med.
These facilities are equipped to provide ART, laboratory monitoring, and counseling services under the expanded OHAT package.
The expansion reflects the Department of Health’s recognition of HIV as a national public health emergency.
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