Expanded PhilHealth maternity package offers better care, financial relief for Agusanons
By Nina Jonalyn G. Diamante
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Pregnant women in Agusan del Sur can now expect better maternal care and significant financial relief after the implementation of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) Expanded Maternity Care Package which took effect on April 30 this year.
The updated benefit package transitions PhilHealth’s maternity coverage into a more holistic healthcare approach, expanding care from antenatal check-ups and delivery to comprehensive newborn and postpartum care. Crucially, the coverage amounts for both normal and cesarean deliveries have nearly tripled, easing the financial burden on Filipino families, particularly those in poor and near-poor households.
Under the new package, coverage for normal spontaneous delivery skyrocketed from P9,750 to up to P29,000. Coverage for cesarean delivery likewise increased from P58,000 to P62,000, compared to previous benefit of P37,050.
“The implementation of the Expanded Maternity Care package is really a huge help for our pregnant mothers as it greatly lessens our out-of-pocket expenses, especially with the antenatal and post-natal benefits included,” said Michelle Pombo, social insurance assistant II of PhilHealth Agusan del Sur.
Pombo added that the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law automatically grants PhilHealth membership to all Filipinos, paving the way for all women to access the expanded maternity benefits.
Among those benefiting from the enhancement is Benape Odayao, a minimum wage earner from Agusan del Sur who is currently eight months pregnant. Odayao shared the daily challenge of stretching her family’s limited income to cover household expenses while trying to save for upcoming medical costs.
“Budgeting for our daily needs and our birth preparations is very hard. Almost nothing is left every payday with the rising prices of basic commodities,” Odayao said.
Despite the struggle, Odayao expressed deep gratitude for the improved benefits, particularly the expanded antenatal care. Expectant mothers are now covered for up to eight prenatal check-ups—doubled from the previous allowance of four—ensuring closer monitoring of both mother and child throughout the pregnancy.
For mothers like Benape, the expanded PhilHealth package offers far more than financial assistance—it brings profound peace of mind. Instead of losing sleep over mounting hospital bills and medical costs, expectant mothers in Agusan del Sur can now take a deep breath, focus on their health, and fully embrace the joyful anticipation of welcoming their new babies into the world. (NJGD, PIA Caraga with a report from PTV Agusan del Sur)