Albay: The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) 5 (Bicol) has officially launched its YAKAP (Yamang Kalusugan Para sa Pangkalahatang Kalusugan) Program in Albay, aiming to provide comprehensive healthcare to the local population.
According to Philippines News Agency, PhilHealth-5 Vice President Alberto Manduriao highlighted that of the estimated 1.44 million people in the province, 306,000 are already registered for YAKAP, which was previously known as the Konsulta package. The program is supported by 34 accredited health facilities ready to deliver services.
Manduriao emphasized the goal of ensuring early access to health services for every resident, aiming to prevent or treat illnesses before they become severe. He stated that through YAKAP, PhilHealth is committed to fostering a healthier and more inclusive community where no one is left behind.
The YAKAP program has expanded PhilHealth's services to include six cancer screening tests and Guaranteed Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) coverage for 54 additional medicines, marking a 95 percent increase in benefit packages. Each member or dependent is entitled to an annual benefit limit of PHP20,000, which can be accessed at accredited GAMOT facilities. However, the PhilHealth GAMOT is not yet available in Bicol as applications for accreditation are still being processed.
Manduriao also mentioned several enhancements to benefit packages, including lifting the single period of confinement and the 45-day benefit rule. Enhancements were also made to packages for hemodialysis, severe dengue, cataract extraction, ischemic heart disease, and Zbenefit packages for kidney transplant and peritoneal dialysis.
YAKAP has already been implemented in Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, and Masbate, with plans to expand to all provinces in the region. Manduriao encouraged community engagement to ensure the success of YAKAP, emphasizing that the program is meant for everyone.
As of September, PhilHealth-5 has processed payments amounting to PHP5.9 billion for 454,000 claims.
