In July 2012, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) launched the ‘Z Benefit Package’ to address the needs of Filipinos affected by severe and life-threatening illnesses. This package offers financial assistance to cov er the cost of treatment for specific diseases, helping reduce the economic burden on patients and their families.
Coverage of the Z Benefit Package
The Z Benefit Package includes financial support for the following conditions, along with the corresponding allocation for each:
- Breast cancer (Kanser sa suso): ₱100,000
- Acute leukemia: ₱210,000
- Prostate cancer: ₱100,000
- Kidney transplant: ₱600,000 (added in October 2012)
The package covers a wide range of medical expenses, including:
- Hospital charges
- Room and board
- Medications
- Laboratory tests
- Surgical procedures
- Professional fees for doctors and specialists
Accredited Hospitals for Breast Cancer Treatment
The following hospitals are accredited by PhilHealth to provide treatment for breast cancer under the Z Benefit Package:
- Metro Manila:
- Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center
- East Avenue Medical Center
- Philippine General Hospital
- Rizal Medical Center
- Quirino Memorial Medical Center
- Luzon:
- Baguio General Hospital
- Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center
- Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center
- Cagayan Valley Medical Center
- Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center
- Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital
- Batangas Regional Hospital
- Bicol Regional Teaching and Training Hospital
- Bicol Medical Center
- Visayas:
- Western Visayas Medical Center
- Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Hospital
- Mindanao:
- Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center
- Northern Mindanao Medical Center
- Southern Philippines Medical Center
- Davao Regional Hospital
Expanding Access to the Z Benefit Package
According to Dr. Eduardo Banzon, then-chief of PhilHealth, the Z Benefit Package will continue to expand in scope. Future developments include increasing the number of accredited hospitals and adding more diseases eligible for coverage. This initiative ensures that more Filipinos can access affordable care for severe illnesses and potentially life-saving treatments.
Why the Z Benefit Package Matters
Severe illnesses like cancer and kidney disease often come with exorbitant treatment costs that can be overwhelming for many Filipino families. The Z Benefit Package provides significant financial relief and ensures that patients can receive the care they need without sacrificing their long-term financial stability.
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with a condition covered under this program, consult a PhilHealth-accredited hospital or your healthcare provider to learn how to access these benefits.
