The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) announced the provisional contracting of its Z Benefits for orthopedic implants, following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu and nearby provinces on September 30.
The move comes in response to a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who instructed government agencies to prioritize medical and recovery assistance for affected communities.
PhilHealth said the initiative aims to provide immediate support to orthopedic patients who require implants as a result of injuries sustained during the earthquake. The Z Benefits package covers essential procedures and treatments to help reduce out-of-pocket expenses for patients.
The state insurer said it is working with medical facilities to ensure the efficient implementation of the expanded benefits. The inclusion of orthopedic implants under the Z Benefits package is expected to ease the financial strain on survivors needing surgery and rehabilitation.
PhilHealth President and CEO Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. emphasized the importance of timely healthcare interventions following disasters, noting that the insurer’s swift action reflects its commitment to disaster response and recovery.
Authorities continue to assess the extent of the damage caused by the earthquake as relief and rehabilitation efforts remain underway. PhilHealth’s new coverage is part of a coordinated government response to help affected residents recover more quickly.
The corporation assured the public that it will continue to monitor the situation and adjust its programs as needed to address evolving healthcare demands.