MANILA: The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) are in talks about the expansion of healthcare coverage and support for senior citizens. In a news release Thursday, the NCSC said Commissioner Mary Jean Loreche proposed an expansion of PhilHealth's current laboratory packages for the elderly. Loreche said prostate-specific antigen tests for males, breast ultrasound and mammogram for women, and comprehensive screening for various diseases and geriatric syndromes must be included in the current packages. Citing that some elderly patients prefer less invasive and more comfortable options over dialysis, Loreche proposed the creation of conservative kidney management programs. Seniors fighting depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline would also benefit from expanded mental health programs, she said. Other benefit packages which the NCSC deemed important to the elderly are home-based healthcare services, and transition and convalescent car e to support senior citizens recovering from illnesses and surgeries. The NCSC pushed for the accreditation of the Senior Citizens Community Care Center for the Konsulta Package to ensure its coverage and sustainability, providing a robust support system for elderly care. It also pushed for discussions on the status of the National Geriatric Center in Metro Manila -- transforming it into a model hospital nationwide similar to the Bicol General Hospital and Geriatric Center. As of 2020, the Philippine Statistics Authority recorded 9,242,121 senior citizens or those above 60 years old nationwide. Earlier, the NCSC said about 4,419,153 senior citizens have registered to its nationwide database as of March 1, 2024. Source : Philippines News agency