Manila: The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has expanded its Z Benefit package for Peritoneal Dialysis (PD), significantly increasing the benefit rate to almost PHP1.2 million. This expansion aims to encourage the utilization of PD as a viable treatment option for patients suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 5.
According to Philippines News Agency, the state insurer announced that the enhanced package now encompasses various modalities of renal replacement therapy, tailored to different age groups. Emmanuel Ledesma Jr., PhilHealth's president and CEO, emphasized the importance of PD as an effective alternative to hemodialysis, offering patients greater autonomy and flexibility in selecting their treatment modality. This initiative is designed to enhance patients' quality of life and mobility.
PD involves using the patient's peritoneal membrane, which lines the abdominal organs and surfaces, as an artificial kidney. This method is supported by the National Kidney and Transplant Institute. For adult patients, PhilHealth covers continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), with benefits set at PHP389,640 or PHP510,140 depending on the required PD solutions. These packages represent an increase of up to 89 percent from the previous annual rate of PHP270,000.
Pediatric patients now have access to both CAPD and automated peritoneal dialysis, with coverage ranging from PHP510,000 to PHP765,210, and for APD, from PHP763,000 to PHP1.2 million. PhilHealth Circular No. 2024-0036 outlines that patients with chronic kidney disease stage 5 must register in the PhilHealth Dialysis Database and adhere to membership guidelines to access these benefits.
Patients are required to follow the treatment plan, including necessary follow-up visits, and the selling or sharing of PD solutions provided to them is strictly prohibited. Contracted providers or health facilities are not allowed to charge additional fees for essential health services, although they may charge for services and amenities not covered by the package.
Eligible patients can avail themselves of this expanded package through any of the 51 accredited PD providers across the nation.
