Heart attack aid boosted: PhilHealth raises case rates

1 of 5

More than 450 heart attack patients at the Philippine Heart Center have benefited from a major increase in case rate coverage provided by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp., with over PHP 227.5 million in reimbursements disbursed since late 2024.

PhilHealth announced that the expanded benefit packages for Ischemic Heart Disease–Acute Myocardial Infarction (IHD-AMI), or heart attack, took effect on Dec. 21, 2024, giving members access to higher reimbursements for life-saving cardiac care.

The payments covered 459 patients treated at the Philippine Heart Center (PHC) between Dec. 21, 2024, and July 18, 2025.

According to PhilHealth Acting President and CEO Dr. Edwin M. Mercado, the agency’s updated coverage allows for more timely, equitable, and effective care.

“This move aligns with PhilHealth’s commitment to universal health care by removing financial barriers to access life-saving cardiac interventions,” Mercado said.

The updated benefit packages significantly increased coverage amounts across four critical interventions.

The rate for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)—a commonly used treatment for blocked arteries—was raised from PHP 30,300 to PHP 523,853, a 1,629% increase.

Fibrinolysis, used to dissolve blood clots, saw a 900% increase from PHP 30,290 to PHP 133,500.

Emergency Medical Services with coordinated referrals and interfacility transfer are now reimbursed at PHP 21,900.

Cardiac rehabilitation after PCI is covered up to PHP 66,140.

“This unprecedented increase ensures patients receive the best possible care during the most vulnerable moments of their lives,” said Dr. Israel Francis A. Pargas, PhilHealth’s Senior Vice President for Health Finance Policy Sector.

PHC officials said the benefit enhancements came at a crucial time for patients battling cardiovascular diseases, which remain the leading cause of death in the country.

“We commend PhilHealth for this landmark move,” said Dr. Avenilo L. Aventura Jr., PHC Executive Director. “Many of our patients come from vulnerable sectors. These packages give them a fighting chance.”

Deputy Executive Director for Medical Services Dr. Christopher C. Cheng emphasized that timely financial assistance directly translates into patient survival.

“Early intervention is key, and patients who know they are covered are more likely to seek care immediately,” Cheng said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed support for the initiative, citing the importance of streamlined reimbursements and stronger public-private healthcare partnerships.

“PhilHealth’s strengthened case rates reaffirm our commitment to delivering uninterrupted, quality health services to Filipinos,” Marcos said in a statement.

PhilHealth encouraged members to consult their accredited healthcare providers and to call its 24/7 contact lines for further information on benefit eligibility and procedures.