THE Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is extending special privileges to members, employers and healthcare facilities that have been gravely affected by Severe Tropical Storm Paeng.

In a statement, PhilHealth said various special privileges shall be extended to regions placed under the state of calamity for six months after the devastation caused by the strong typhoon that hit the country late last month.

“We are extending various special privileges to affected members, employers, and healthcare facilities to ensure continuous provision of healthcare services to all Filipinos adversely affected by fortuitous events,” said PhilHealth.

As provided under PhilHealth Circular 2020-0007, the affected members shall be granted exemption from the 45-day benefit limit and a single period of confinement rule, as well as coverage even for confinements under 24 hours.

The deadline for the payment of contributions for self-paying members shall likewise be extended “to provide greater financial flexibility.”

The state health insurer said the same privilege will also be provided to the employers in the affected areas.

On the other hand, PhilHealth said affected healthcare institutions shall be entitled to extended submission of claims from 60 to 120 calendar days, reimbursement for both referring and receiving healthcare institutions, extension on the submission of the mandatory reports, extension of validity of accreditation and/or submission of application of health care providers, and reimbursement for destroyed claims.

PhilHealth said the affected healthcare providers are, however, requested to send a letter request to the concerned PhilHealth regional offices for the application of the said policy.

On October 28, Typhoon Paeng unleashed devastating rains and winds, which caused extensive flooding and landslides almost across the whole country.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has since placed Calabarzon, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao under a state of calamity for six months. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)