More money to profit from?
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) boasted of its “commitment to supporting people living with HIV (PLHIV)” by increasing the outpatient HIV/AIDS treatment (OHAT) coverage from P39,500 to P58,500.
PhilHealth actually only increased the amount in February 2024, and – similar to the past increase – no information had been made public on whether the increased allotment is actually needed by PLHIVs, or even reaches PLHIVs at all.
In a Facebook post, the PhilHealth stated that the new amount should cover antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all individuals with confirmed positive HIV test results confirmed by certified institutions, regardless of their clinical or immunologic status. It also ensures access to all minimum essential services necessary for effective HIV management.
Based on PhilHealth ordinances, the package actually covers drugs and medications, laboratory examinations based on the specific treatment guideline including Cluster of Differentiation 4 (CD4) level determination test, viral load (if warranted), and test for monitoring anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs toxicity and professional fees of providers.
There are 234 PhilHealth-accredited DOH-designated HIV treatment facilities nationwide.
The government agency stated that in 2024, it disbursed a total of P1.66 billion for 176,819 OHAT package benefit claims.
