Cebu: The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) announced on Wednesday that it has granted the provisional contracting of its Z Benefits for orthopedic implants in response to the devastating magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu and nearby provinces on September 30. The state insurer's decision aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive for government agencies to mobilize swiftly and provide all necessary support to affected communities.
According to Philippines News Agency, currently, only one PhilHealth-accredited hospital in Cebu is authorized to provide Z Benefit packages for orthopedic implants. In response to this limitation, the PhilHealth Board has approved a special policy granting President and Chief Executive Officer Edwin Mercado the authority to relax key policies during a state of calamity. This measure is designed to ensure that more facilities can offer urgent orthopedic procedures without delay.
"This is not just a matter of policy, but of timely action to save lives and limbs," Mercado stated. "By easing restrictions, we are ensuring that those injured in this calamity receive proper treatment without delay or undue cost."
The temporary provisions, effective retroactively from September 30, 2025, and valid until the declared state of calamity is lifted, include expanded access for hospitals in Cebu to provide Z Benefit packages for orthopedic implants. Eligible victims will benefit from zero co-payment, ensuring full coverage for procedures with no out-of-pocket expenses. Additionally, accredited PhilHealth healthcare professionals can perform surgeries and receive compensation even if they are not affiliated with a contracted facility. Victims in urgent need of surgery are exempted from the standard 24-hour hospital stay requirement, and both hospitals and patients may file claims within 120 calendar days from discharge, with retroactive coverage for admissions up to 60 days prior to September 30.
PhilHealth clarified that existing benefit packages for conditions unrelated to the earthquake will remain unchanged. Additional special provisions may be considered following further evaluation of the disaster's full impact.
Mercado described the initiative as proactive and a demonstration of the "Corporation's readiness to respond in times of national emergency." He emphasized that the relaxation of policies is aimed not at compromising standards, but at maximizing access to care during a time when the scarcity of accredited providers could mean the difference between recovery and permanent disability.
