Amid the continued threat of animal bites, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is working to improve its benefits package for treatment. In a television interview, PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Edwin Mercado said they want to cover more victims of animal bites who need anti-rabies vaccines.
Expanding Coverage for Animal Bites
“We will extend PhilHealth benefits to those who have been bitten by animals. This requires anti-rabies intervention,” Mercado stated. He added, “Let’s see if we can cover Category 2. Right now, it only covers Category 3. We are looking at expanding the current benefits.” Currently, the PhilHealth benefit package for animal bite treatment is set at P5,850.
Leptospirosis Benefits Also Under Review
Aside from animal bite treatment, Mercado said they are also looking to increase the benefit package for leptospirosis, a flood-borne disease. “We are already drafting additional benefits because we want to cover not only doxycycline, which is given as prophylaxis, but also hospitalization and, if it is severe, dialysis or a respirator,” he explained.
Mercado emphasized the urgency, noting, “We are already drafting it so that we can roll them out before the rainy season starts.” Under the current leptospirosis benefit package, PhilHealth members are entitled to P21,450 in medical assistance.
