All PhilHealth claims for AIDS confidential

CEBU, Philippines -  In light of the rising incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the region, PhilHealth assures members of utmost confidentiality in the processing of their benefit claims.

To protect patients’ rights to confidentiality, all claims for PhilHealth’s Outpatient HIV/AIDS Treatment (OHAT) Package shall be enclosed in a sealed envelope, marked “confidential” and submitted to the PhilHealth regional office.

Only three pre-identified PhilHealth employees of the regional office will be directly involved in the processing of claims for HIV/AIDS and they are required by the corporation to sign a confidentiality agreement to further ensure confidentiality.

 The OHAT package is for PhilHealth members and qualified dependents confirmed with HIV/AIDS infection. To be covered, patients must undergo treatment in a Department of Health (DOH)-accredited treatment hub. Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center is the accredited treatment hub in Central Visayas.

 Coverage under this package amounts to P30,000 released in four quarterly payments. The covered treatment is in accordance with the guidelines set by DOH on anti-retroviral therapy among adults and adolescents with HIV infection. (FREEMAN)