President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. announced on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, the expansion of maternity benefits under PhilHealth. In a video message, Marcos stated that the implementation of the expanded coverage will begin on April 30, 2026.
Increased Coverage for Deliveries
For normal deliveries, PhilHealth coverage will increase to P29,000 from the previous P9,750. For cesarean deliveries, coverage will rise to between P58,000 and P62,000, up from P37,000. This significant increase aims to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for mothers.
Enhanced Prenatal and Postnatal Care
Prenatal care coverage has also been expanded from four check-ups to eight, including vaccinations and laboratory examinations. Additionally, three post-labor check-ups are now covered. Marcos emphasized that in many cases, patients giving birth in a ward, even in private hospitals, may have nothing to pay upon discharge.
"We want to ensure that every mother can give birth safely without worrying about where to get payment. We want no life to be put at risk simply due to lack of money," Marcos added.
The expanded benefits are part of the government's efforts to improve maternal health and reduce financial barriers to quality healthcare.
