Breast cancer patients 'Z benefit' now up to P1.4M – PhilHealth

MANILA – The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has increased its "Z benefit" package for breast cancer patients to P1.4 million.

In a news release on Tuesday, the state insurer said the enhanced Z benefit package now covers Stages 0 to 4 of breast cancer and even expanded the eligibility qualifications of members who can avail, even covering patients already undergoing treatment for the said illness.

"This significant leap in the Z Benefits Package for breast cancer is proof that PhilHealth is committed to delivering our mandate to provide responsive benefits to our Kababayans and we will continue implementing benefits that will improve the financial coverage under our thrust Pinalawak at Bagong Benepisyo para sa Mamamayang Filipino", PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. said.

He said it provides "a 'holistic approach' to breast cancer treatment because it covers diagnostic tests, breast cancer management up to surveillance or assessment for early signs of relapse after the surgery".

Diagnostic tests and prognostication range from P1,000 to P10,000; surgical procedures from partial mastectomy to modified radical mastectomy range from P30,000 to P140,000; hormonotherapy coverage is P2,700 or P18,000 while cytotoxic chemotherapy shall be paid from P43,000 to P185,010.

The bulk of the package goes to targeted therapy amounting to more than P1 million coverage, which translates to P333,336 for 18 maximum cycles.

The surveillance, which is divided into basic and specific services, ranges from P5,000 and P9,000, respectively.

To avail of the enhanced Z Benefit Package for breast cancer, members or their qualified dependents must contact the Z Benefits Coordinator of any of the current 21 contracted health facilities for them to be guided on the availment procedures from pre-authorization procedures up to cost-sharing aspect of the treatment, if there is any.

The Z Benefits Coordinator shall coordinate with PhilHealth on matters pertinent to the availment of the patient and ensure the completeness and accuracy of all required documents for pre-authorization and claims application for reimbursement.

The PhilHealth said no co-payment shall be charged for services rendered on patients admitted in basic or ward-type accommodation.

Contracted health facilities are those capable of rendering specialized care that enter into a contract with PhilHealth for the provision of specialized care for the Z benefits. (PNA)