PhilHealth ready to shoulder lepto cases

THE Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) said Friday, July 6, that it is ready to shoulder the medical expenses of its members afflicted by leptospirosis.

Leptospirosis, according to the Department of Health (DOH), is an infection commonly transmitted to humans from water that has been contaminated by animal urine, usually rats. The infection is caused by Leptospira bacteria that enters the body through wounds or lesions in the skin, eyes or with the mucous membranes. In a statement, PhilHealth said the coverage for leptospirosis is pegged at P11,000 and is inclusive of the payment for doctor’s fees. It should be paid directly to the accredited health care institutions (HCIs).

“We are ready to pay for claims for leptospirosis should they or any of their qualified dependents be confined and treated for the dreaded disease,” said PhilHealth.

To qualify for the said coverage, PhilHealth members must have paid at least three months premium contributions within the immediate six months prior to the first day of confinement at any accredited HCIs.

PhilHealth also assured that kasambahays, indigent, sponsored, and senior citizen members are entitled to “no balance billing” when the eligible patient is confined in ward-type accommodation in government hospitals.

As for leptospirosis patients who will develop complications, the state health insurance agency