In commemoration of the World Aids Day with the theme “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response”, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) stands with the persons living with HIV (PLHIV) through its enhanced Outpatient HIV/AIDS Treatment (OHAT) Package which provides wider financial support to essential care. Through the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program or YAKAP, PhilHealth also raises awareness and early prevention efforts, assuring every member that all services are delivered with utmost confidentiality.
This aligns with the Department of Health’s proposal for a declaration of a national public health emergency in the country due to a growing health concern stemming from rising human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases. On November 27, 2025, the Department of Health (DOH) reported over 5,500 new cases from July to September 2025.
In response, Dr. Edwin M. Mercado, PhilHealth Acting President and CEO emphasized “Wala po kayong dapat ipag-alala, narito po ang PhilHealth upang tugunan ang inyong pangangailangang medikal. Kaya huwag po kayong matakot o mahiyang magpagamot. Makakaasa kayo na po-protektahan namin ang inyong mga personal na impormasyon.”
The enhanced OHAT Package now offers an annual benefit of P58,500, a 95% increase from the previous P30,000. This benefit covers antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all individuals with confirmed HIV test results from certified facilities, regardless of their clinical or immunologic status. It also includes access to all necessary services required for effective HIV management.
This enhancement is consistent with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive to continually improve and sustain the health insurer’s healthcare benefits by ensuring adequate financial support to patients seeking medical treatment. In his second State of the Nation Address, the President highlighted that ‘The whole of society must exert efforts to suppress the alarming rise of HIV/AIDS. To stem the tide, the strategic plan is to ensure early diagnosis and treatment, and ample testing sites and medications.
The OHAT Package can be accessed through 234 PhilHealth-accredited and DOH-designated HIV treatment hubs across the country. In 2024, PhilHealth disbursed a total of P1.66 billion for 176,819 OHAT benefit claims.
“Nakakabahala ang mga balita na pabata ng pabata ang mga PLHIV kung kaya’t nananawagan kami sa mga magulang ng mga kabataan, suportahan at iparamdam natin sa kanila na hindi sila nag-iisa at may kinabukasang naghihintay sa kanila sa pamamagitan ng early prevention at regular na pangangalaga sa ilalim ng ating mga YAKAP Clinics,” Dr. Mercado stated.
For further inquiries on benefits and services, members may call PhilHealth’s 24/7 hotline at (02) 866-225-88 or at mobile numbers (Smart) 0998-857-2957, 0968-865-4670, (Globe) 0917-1275987 or 0917-1109812.
Started in 1927, the Philippines Graphic is the longest-running printed magazine of national circulation that provides relevant news and features and promotes Philippine literature.
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