MANILA, Philippines – Healthcare in the country is a constant challenge for many Filipinos. Access to care, while available, is unreachable due to high costs of medical services and medications. So, their health is either ignored, or they would take out loans to afford treatments after their medical concern has worsened. In an effort to address this gap, the government agency Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, or PhilHealth, partnered with Maxicare Group, a leading healthcare and insurance solutions provider.
Formalized through a memorandum of understanding signing held at the Department of Finance Building in Manila, this partnership affirms Maxicare’s support for government initiatives that enable better healthcare for Filipinos. “PhilHealth and the HMOs have served the same Filipinos in parallel for decades. Today we take another step towards the progressive implementation of Universal Health Care by improving the complementation of benefits of both payors,” said Christian Argos, Maxicare Group President and CEO.
Through this partnership, PhilHealth members may soon access PhilHealth-covered services at the Maxicare Clinics nationwide. Eventually, they will be able to visit a Maxicare Clinic and avail of services like consultations, animal bite treatment, maternal care, mental health, and more.
In addition, Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) members can avail of services at the Maxicare Clinics and its accredited clinics. YAKAP is PhilHealth’s program that advocates preventive care and proper health risk diagnosis.
As access to Maxicare Clinics opens to PhilHealth members, they can conveniently experience the quality and world-class care it offers. Today’s signing is an important event for a more coordinated, complementary, and member-centered health financing system, where PhilHealth and HMO work together rather than in parallel,” said Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho, PhilHealth President and CEO. ”The goal is a more seamless patient journey, with less duplication, fewer administrative barriers, and greater accountability amongst us payors and the providers.”
Maxicare has always been advocating for better health for every Filipino. By partnering with the government’s health programs, Filipinos are empowered to take charge of their health with ease and convenience without sacrificing the budget for their family’s daily needs. “The HMOs are making a commitment of our own,” Argos further adds. “As PhilHealth covers more of primary care, we will use that room to expand what our members receive. The value should go back to the member.”
To know more about PhilHealth’s benefits and programs, visit philhealth.gov.ph. Walk into any Maxicare Clinic and visit maxicare.com.ph/get-care/maxicare-clinics/ to find the nearest Maxicare Clinics.
