ILOILO City – PhilHealth Regional Office 6 has rolled out expanded access to free and low-cost medicines, strengthened preventive health coverage, and slashed claims processing time to 26 days as it marked National Health Insurance Month this February, in what officials described as a decisive push to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for Ilonggos.
PhilHealth-6 acting regional vice president Lazaro Tabsing said the regional office is accelerating reforms aimed at easing the financial burden of patients while reinforcing preventive care across Western Visayas and the Negros Island Region.
At the center of the initiative is the YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan) Program, which shifts focus toward early detection and management of illnesses through routine check-ups, laboratory tests, and access to essential medicines. The program seeks to curb the worsening of chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, which continue to pose major health risks in the region.
Complementing this is the GAMOT (Guaranteed Access to Medicines and Outpatient Treatment) Program, which expands the availability of essential drugs at either no cost or significantly reduced prices.
PhilHealth-6 said 51 accredited pharmacies across the region — including a newly launched site in Anini-y, Antique — will now provide access to 54 additional essential medicines, on top of the 21 critical drugs already covered under YAKAP.
The agency also reported a major improvement in claims processing efficiency, with reimbursement turnaround now averaging 26 days — a sharp drop from the previous 60-day standard. Officials said this ensures faster payments to hospitals and healthcare facilities, strengthening provider confidence in the national health insurance system.
Tabsing underscored the continued implementation of key benefit programs, including Z-benefit packages for serious illnesses, cancer screening services, and the No Balance Billing (NBB) policy in Department of Health hospitals.
Under the NBB policy, patients admitted to basic ward accommodations in DOH-run hospitals in Western Visayas and the Negros Island Region are not required to pay out-of-pocket expenses beyond PhilHealth coverage. First introduced in 2011 for indigent members, the policy was expanded in 2019 to include all membership categories, regardless of financial status. However, expenses incurred after discharge remain the responsibility of patients.
“As we celebrate National Health Insurance Month, we call on all Filipinos to join us in advocating for the importance of social health insurance,” Tabsing said.
“Together, we must work to ensure that every citizen has access to essential healthcare services. Para sa PhilHealth na patas, matatag, at maaasahan,” he added.
PhilHealth-6 said the latest reforms reflect its commitment to preventive care, financial risk protection, and operational efficiency as it strengthens the region’s healthcare safety net./PN
