Bambi Eloriaga-Amago
In a circular released last January 18, PhilHealth announced that they have allocated P3,000 pesos worth of contraceptives that can be availed of via accredited health facilities for each female contributor.
However, only one type of contraceptive is being offered—the subdermal contraceptive implant. Members can avail of the package once every two years. Subdermal contraceptive implants, as the name suggests, are inserted under the skin of the upper arm. Doctors state that these can prevent pregnancy for up to three years.
The circular further stated that, “The package may be availed of as an outpatient or inpatient service in hospitals and non-hospital facilities with the same case rate.”
The P3,000 allocation covers consultation prior to the procedure, expenses incurred and payment for the procedure itself, follow-up consultations after the procedure, and the doctor’s professional fee.
