The exponential increase in the number of people being diagnosed with COVID-19 had many people worrying. This is due in large part to a number of reasons, including the following: (a) the fact that a cure for the deadly disease is yet to be discovered; (b) lockdowns in cities and countries all over the world left a lof of people economically insecure, unable to work and therefore unable to earn money; (c) hospitals and other medical facilities are severely strained due to the influx of patients; and (d) the costs associated with hospitalization.
In this week's Q&A Tuesdays, we respond to an email sent by a reader from Quezon City worried sick about how to pay hospital bills in case she or a loved one is admitted to a medical facility due to infection from the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrom - Coronavirus 2 or SARS-COV2.
I am a contractual employee in a government office in Quezon City. Since the declaration of the month-long Enhanced Community Quarantine in Luzon, I have been unable to go to work. Consequently, I now have very little money left to buy for provisions in the period when I'd be out of work. I am also worried that I might get infected by the coronavirus, and if so, how to pay the hospital bills. Does Philhealth cover COVID-19 cases?
- Josefina (Quezon City)
While you may have probably heard of private insurance companies denying claims for medical expenses associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is reassuring to know that PhilHealth has recently come up with medical assistance packages for Filipinos diagnosed with COVID-19.
There are two PhilHealth packages for COVID-19 patients, namely:
ISOLATION PACKAGE: This is for patients placed under observation for suspected coronavirus. The allocation for this package is P14,000.
REFERRAL PACKAGE: This is for patients from Level 1 hospitals (or lower facility hospitals) referred to Levels 2 or 3 hospitals capable of performing quarantine procedures and manage infectious diseases. The allocation for this package is P4,000.
Apart from the two mentioned above, PhilHealth also covers pneumonia. The existing case rates for pneumonia are as follows:
MODERATE PNEUMONIA: This is for patients experiencing moderate pneumonia. The allocation for this is P15,000.
SEVERE PNEUMONIA: This is for patients experiencing severe pneumonia. The allocation for this is P32,000.
It is important to remember that should you experience any of the symptoms of COVID-19, including cough, sore throat, and fever, it is best to stay at home and minimize contact with other people.
Otherwise, have yourself tested.
How have you been coping with the Enhanced Community Quarantine? Join in the discussion by posting a comment below.