PhilHealth expands maternity benefits starting April 30

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday announced the expanded PhilHealth maternity coverage starting April 30. 

"Kapag kinulang ang pera, napipilitan [ang mga buntis] maghintay o magtipid. Dito nagsisimula ang panganib. Maraming ina ang nanganganak nang walang duktor. Hindi dahil ayaw nila ng tamang pang-alaga kung hindi dahil hindi nila kaya ang panggastos," said Marcos in a video message.

"Simula ng April 30, mas pinalawak at mas mataas na ang maternity benefit ng Philhealth," the president said. 

For a normal delivery, PhilHealth will now cover P29,000 of the bill. Previous coverage went up to only P9,750. Coverage for a caesarean section will now be from P58,000 to P62,000. Previously, PhilHealth benefits only covered P37,000 of the bill.

In many cases, mothers who give birth in a ward, even if it's in a private hospital, may leave the hospital without having to pay for anything.

The benefits extend to pre- and post-natal care, too. From four pre-natal check-ups covered by Philhealth, members are now entitled to eight. Vaccines and laboratory tests are included. After birth, Philhealth will cover three follow-up visits.

"Simple lamang ang ating layunin. Nais nating matiyak na ang bawat ina ay makakapagpanganak nang ligtas at hindi nag-aalala kung saan kukuha ng pambayad," said Marcos. "Nais natin na walang buhay ang malalagay sa panganib dahil lamang sa kakulangan ng pera."