In a significant advancement for dialysis patients, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has announced an enhancement to its Z Benefit Package for Peritoneal Dialysis (PD), effective January 1, 2025. This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to expanding healthcare benefits, even amid budget constraints.
The new package introduces separate coverage for adult and pediatric patients, reflecting PhilHealth’s dedication to addressing the diverse needs of those with Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 5. According to the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, peritoneal dialysis utilizes the patient’s own peritoneal membrane as an artificial kidney, offering a vital treatment option.
PhilHealth President and CEO Emmanuel R. Ledesma Jr. stated, “We want to encourage the availment of peritoneal dialysis as a first-line modality treatment for patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 5. PhilHealth wants to push this as an option apart from hemodialysis, not just to give autonomy and flexibility to our members in choosing the treatment modality, but also to promote quality of life and mobility of patients.”
Under the enhanced package, adult patients can receive coverage ranging from P389,640 to P510,140, depending on their daily PD solution needs. This marks a substantial increase from the previous annual limit of P270,000. For pediatric patients, benefits under Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) range from P510,000 to P765,210, while coverage for Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD) extends up to P1.2 million.
In addition to dialysis treatments, PhilHealth will cover exit site infection and peritonitis prevention care, along with ancillary services such as catheter insertion and outpatient treatment for PD-related complications. The organization emphasizes that patients must register in the PhilHealth Dialysis Database and adhere to treatment plans to qualify for these benefits.
Ledesma highlighted the importance of transparency regarding costs: “Providers are likewise advised to fully explain to the patients whatever co-payment that will still be charged to them.” While contracted health facilities cannot charge co-payments for essential health services included in the package, they may charge for non-essential services.
The enhanced PD Z Benefits are accessible at any of the 51 contracted PD providers nationwide. Members seeking further information can visit PhilHealth’s website or utilize their 24/7 contact points for assistance.
With these enhancements, PhilHealth aims to significantly improve access to peritoneal dialysis and enhance the quality of life for countless patients across the Philippines.