PhilHealth on Monday reaffirmed its support for persons living with HIV (PLHIV) with an expanded outpatient care package that raises financial coverage and reinforces confidentiality protections.
Marking World AIDS Day, the agency highlighted improvements to its Outpatient HIV/AIDS Treatment (OHAT) Package under the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP).
The upgraded OHAT benefit now provides P58,500 annually, a 95-percent increase from the previous P30,000, covering antiretroviral therapy (ART) and essential laboratory and clinical services.
PhilHealth Acting President and CEO Dr. Edwin M. Mercado urged PLHIV to seek care without fear, saying: “Kaya huwag po kayong matakot o mahiyang magpagamot… makakaasa kayo na po-protektahan namin ang inyong mga personal na impormasyon.”
The Department of Health earlier reported over 5,500 new HIV cases from July to September 2025, prompting calls for a national public health emergency.
PhilHealth said its strengthened HIV response aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for wider testing, early diagnosis, and sustained access to treatment.
The OHAT Package is now accessible in 234 accredited HIV treatment hubs nationwide, with P1.66 billion released for 176,819 claims in 2024.
Mercado also called on parents to support younger Filipinos as infections rise among adolescents, noting: “Nakakabahala ang mga balita na pabata nang pabata ang mga PLHIV… suportahan at iparamdam natin sa kanila na hindi sila nag-iisa.”