Millions of Filipinos now have better access to physical medicine and rehabilitation services, including assistive mobility devices, thanks to PhilHealth’s new benefit package developed through partnership between the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities while ensuring financial risk protection.

The benefit package was developed through a research project led by Dr. Josephine Bundoc of Physicians for Peace Philippines, with funding from PhilHealth STUDIES, which supports the Thrust for Universal Health Care through Data, Information, and Knowledge Exchange Systems. The PhilHealth STUDIES is a joint program initiated to conduct research geared towards health policy reforms aligned with Universal Health Care. 

PhilHealth previously introduced the Z Benefits Package, primarily covering rehabilitation services for stroke and heart attack patients, as well as outpatient care for children with disabilities. This newly expanded package significantly broadens access to essential rehabilitation services and mobility aids, ensuring quality care while alleviating financial burdens on patients. This enhanced coverage now includes initial, follow-up, and discharge assessments, rehabilitation therapies, assistive mobility devices, laboratory and diagnostic tests, and necessary medications. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, approximately 12% of Filipinos aged 15 years and older experience severe disability, underscoring the need for accessible healthcare solutions.

To provide coverage for rehabilitation services, the package encompasses a range of services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language pathology services, and psychological support. Additionally, assistive mobility devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and canes are also covered, helping individuals regain independence and improve their quality of life.

To ensure the effective implementation of the package, PhilHealth issued Circular 2025-0003, which outlines the standards of care, provider requirements, referral protocols, and covered services with corresponding rates. These guidelines are informed by data gathered through the PhilHealth STUDIES research project. 

“Research is essential in crafting health policies and programs that address real-world needs of persons with disabilities,” said DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Dr. Jaime Montoya. “The PhilHealth STUDIES Program bridges health policymakers with research that enhances healthcare accessibility for Filipinos,” he added.

Beyond rehabilitation and assistive device coverage, the PhilHealth STUDIES has contributed to the development of new benefit packages prioritizing other health conditions, including mental health conditions and heart disease. One key initiative is the Outpatient Benefit Package for Mental Health, with the team of Dr. Lester Sam Geroy of the Alliance for Improving Health Outcomes (AIHO) providing technical assistance to the policy development. The package was introduced in 2023 through PhilHealth Circular 2023-0018, featuring two sub-packages: general mental health services and specialty mental health services, ensuring a broader spectrum of support for individuals in need.

Under the package, patients can avail of up to PhP 9,000 worth of general mental health services per year, which covers screening, diagnostics, 12 follow-up visits, psychoeducation, and access to DOH-provided essential medicines. For specialty mental health services, coverage is up to PHP 16,000 per year, which includes diagnostics, psychotherapy, and follow-up visits with psychiatrists, neurologists, or psychologists. 

To provide financial protection against high cost of treatment for heart attack, particularly those with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI), Dr. Geroy’s team provided technical assistance in the development of the Benefit Package for Ischemic Heart Disease – Acute Myocardial Infarction which covers four essential sub-packages: percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), fibrinolysis, emergency medical services (EMS) with coordinated interfacility transfers, and cardiac rehabilitation. The package was launched through PhilHealth Circular No. 2024-0032, significantly expanding coverage for heart attack services with package rates of PHP 523,853 for PCI, PHP 133,500 for fibrinolysis, PHP 21,900 for EMS with coordinated interfacility transfer, and PHP 66,140 for cardiac rehabilitation.

These and other key benefit packages—such as the Benefit Package for Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation Services, and Assistive Mobility Devices, along with the Outpatient Benefit Package for Mental Health, and the ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) patients, the Benefit Package for Ischemic Heart Disease – Acute Myocardial Infarction were the focal points of the DOST-PCHRD’s Talakayang HeaRT Beat Press Conference on June 11, 2025. During the event, representatives from the DOST-PCHRD and PhilHealth engaged with the media, sharing updates on the implementation and utilization of the healthcare packages developed through the PhilHealth STUDIES initiative.

“Through evidence-based health policy reforms, PhilHealth and DOST-PCHRD remain committed to making healthcare more accessible. By expanding support for persons with disabilities and patients with critical health conditions, we reinforce the fundamental belief that quality healthcare should be a right, not a privilege,” said Dr. Montoya.