TACLOBAN CITY – Only four out of seven Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Z-benefit packages for children are currently available in Eastern Visayas, based on information from the PhilHealth website and Dr. Mary Grace Labine, head of the agency’s Benefits Administration Section.
According to PhilHealth, the Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC) in Tacloban City offers four Z-benefit packages for pediatric patients.
These are for acute lymphocytic leukemia; children with developmental disabilities; children with mobility disorders; and children with visual disabilities.
Meanwhile, the remaining three packages, which cover pediatric cardiac conditions, are not yet available in the region due to financial limitations.
“Cardiac problems fall under catastrophic illnesses, which usually involve substantial costs,” Labine explained in an interview.
Labine also emphasized that the Z-benefit program is designed to offer financial risk protection, especially for families dealing with serious and costly medical conditions.
The original national post from PhilHealth promoting Z-benefits for children was published on November 15, 2023, in observance of National Children’s Month.
Residents are advised to consult the PhilHealth website or visit their nearest PhilHealth office for updates on available benefit packages and accredited facilities.
(JOHN LORENZ S. LESIGUEZ, LNU STUDENT INTERN)
