Outpatient mental health package supports Pinoys’ ‘invisible’ pains

FILE: BUSINESS UNUSUAL. Philippine Health Insurance Corp. transactions go through the manual process, like in this branch in Mother Ignacia Avenue, Quezon City, on Tuesday (Sept. 26, 2023), four days after its system was attacked by the Medusa ransomware. The cyberhackers are reportedly demanding USD300,000 or about PHP17 million to decrypt the files, but the state health insurer said it won’t pay. (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) on Tuesday reminded Filipinos experiencing “invisible” pains to avail of the outpatient benefits package for mental health.

The package covers conditions such as depression, psychosis, epilepsy, child and adolescent mental and behavioral disorders, dementia, and self-harm or suicide risks, among others.

PhilHealth Circular 2023-0018 states that members and dependents aged 10 and above can access services like initial assessments, follow-up consultations, diagnostic tests, and psychosocial support.

PhilHealth acting President and chief executive officer Edwin Mercado said the benefit package is aligned with the priorities set by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in “addressing the healthcare needs of Filipinos holistically.”

Individuals requiring specialized care are provided with access to interventions from psychiatrists, neurologists, and psychologists.

The state insurer provides annual coverage of PHP9,000 for general mental health services and PHP16,000 for specialized care.

Members can access these benefits at any accredited facility that provides general mental health services.

These facilities include rural health units (RHUs), city or municipal health offices, level 1 and 2 hospitals, Department of Health (DOH) Medicine Access Program-mental health access sites, and stand-alone mental health clinics.

“We recognize the importance of accessible mental health services for every Filipino.

Kaya naman, katuwang din natin ang Kagawaran ng Kalusugan sa patuloy pang pagpapalawig ng ating mga serbisyo para sa kalusugang pangkaisipan (Hence, the DOH is our partner in expanding services for mental health),” Mercado said.

Specialized mental health services can be accessed at accredited Level 2 and 3 hospitals with specialized staff, custodial care facilities, and national specialty centers identified by the DOH.

“We are calling for more providers to participate and make these services within reach of Filipinos with mental health struggles,” he added.

Individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or mental health distress are also encouraged to utilize the 24/7 crisis hotlines, including the National Center for Mental Health hotline at 0917-899 8727 or 989-8727, for immediate counseling.