Filipino men can ease their financial worries if diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer through a dedicated care package worth PHP100,000, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) said Monday, June 1.
Under the state insurer’s specialized Z Benefit Package, the PHP100,000 health subsidy is specifically allocated to cover treatment costs for patients diagnosed with low to intermediate-risk prostate cancer.
The package is available to male members who are 70 years old and below.
Eligible patients can avail of this comprehensive assistance at PhilHealth-contracted healthcare facilities across the country.
The package covers crucial medical necessities, including hospital room and board fees, drugs, laboratory examinations, operating room use, and professional fees for the patient’s entire course of treatment.
To ensure a seamless transaction, PhilHealth advises patients and their families to coordinate closely with the designated Z-benefits coordinator located at their chosen contracted health facility.
A pre-authorization check must be completed and approved prior to the patient undergoing surgery or operation.
Department of Health data shows that prostate cancer remains a prominent health concern, ranking as the fifth most common cancer in the country and the third leading cancer type among Filipino men, trailing only lung and colorectal cancers.
Approximately 19 out of 100,000 men nationwide have prostate cancer, which is usually caused by old age, obesity, race, and family history.
Filipino men are encouraged to undergo early screening and detection that could result in improved patient survival rates and optimized utilization of available medical assistance.*PNA
[sibwp_form id=1]