6 health facilities in CV now offers mental health package benefit with PhilHealth

CEBU CITY – PhilHealth now includes mental health in its package benefits through the PhilHealth's Outpatient Benefits Package for Mental Health under PhilHealth Circular 2023-0018 that can be accessed by members and dependents aged 10 and above at the six health facilities in Central Visayas.

To date, the following facilities are the accredited Outpatient Mental Health Package Providers in Central Visayas--Badian Primary Care Health Facility in Badian, Cebu (General Mental Health Services); Borbon Rural Health Unit in Borbon, Cebu (General Mental Health Services); City of Bogo Health Office in Bogo City, Cebu (General Mental Health Services); Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center in Tagbilaran City, Bohol (both General Mental Health & Specialty Mental Health Services); Medellin Rural Health Unit in Medellin, Cebu (General Mental Health Services) and San Remigio Mental Health Facility in San Remigio, Cebu (General Mental Health Services).

The above health facilities in Central Visayas offer services encompassing initial assessments, follow-up consultations, diagnostic tests, and psychosocial support. It covers conditions such as depression, psychosis, epilepsy, child and adolescent mental and behavioral disorders, dementia, and self-harm or suicide risks, among others.

As such, those requiring specialized care are provided with access to interventions from psychiatrists, neurologists, and psychologists. PhilHealth provides annual coverage of Php 9,000 for general mental health services and Php 16,000 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 standalone mental health clinics.

On the other hand, 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 Department of Health (DOH).

Beyond the Mental Health package, PhilHealth encourages individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or mental health distress to utilize readily available 24/7 crisis hotlines, including the National Center for Mental Health hotline at 0917-899 8727 or 989-8727, for immediate counseling.

PhilHealth remains committed to strengthening the nation's mental health service infrastructure and ensuring that quality care is accessible to all Filipinos needing them. For more questions on the MH benefit package and other benefits, members can call the following 24/7 touch points: (02) 866-225-88; mobile numbers 0998-857-2957, 0968-865-4670, 0917-1275987 or 0917-1109812.

"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 sakalusugang pangkaisipan. We are calling for more providers to participate and make these services within reach of Filipinos with mental health struggles," PhilHealth Acting President and CEO, Dr. Edwin Mercado said.