Manila: Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) acting President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho, announced new benefit packages aimed at maximizing support for young people and children with disabilities.

According to Philippines News Agency, Ho emphasized the importance of enrolling children in the YAKAP program through school-based caravans to ensure access to primary care. She expressed the goal of covering the majority of students in schools, highlighting the need for all children to have access to primary care, which in turn enables them to receive higher-level services.

Ho outlined specific packages available for children, including the provision of eyeglasses for those up to 15 years old. This initiative targets school-aged children who may struggle academically due to vision issues. PhilHealth is collaborating with the Department of Education (DepEd) to implement these packages and is working with optometrist groups qualified to provide the eyeglass package.

Additionally, PhilHealth offers a package for children with disabilities, which includes coverage for more than 90 therapy sessions for those identified with speech delays or mobility challenges. Ho noted the existence of these packages, similar to those for mental health, and expressed a desire to optimize their use.

Ho reiterated PhilHealth's commitment to enrolling all schoolchildren in the YAKAP program to provide access to these health benefits. She also assured the public of PhilHealth's financial stability, emphasizing the importance of diligent collection to ensure benefit distribution. Ho acknowledged the national government's prioritization of health, which supports PhilHealth's initiatives.