The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has issued a strong call to its members, encouraging them to take advantage of free vaccines and substantial benefit packages designed to combat hepatitis and prevent liver cancer. The announcement, made on Monday, January 13, 2026, highlights the agency's commitment to reducing the financial strain of treatment for these serious conditions.
Financial Support for Hepatitis Treatment and Prevention
This initiative is part of the observance of Liver Cancer and Viral Hepatitis Awareness and Prevention Month. PhilHealth emphasized that the benefit packages are a strategic move to lessen the economic burden on patients undergoing treatment. More importantly, they are a key component in national efforts to prevent liver cancer, a disease frequently caused by chronic infections from the Hepatitis B and C viruses.
Under its established case rate packages, PhilHealth provides significant financial coverage for various hepatitis-related conditions:
- Up to P23,010 for chronic viral hepatitis.
- Up to P20,865 for sequelae (long-term consequences) of viral hepatitis.
- Up to P24,765 for congenital viral hepatitis.
The Critical Link Between Hepatitis and Liver Cancer
PhilHealth provided a clear medical explanation for the urgency of this campaign. Both Hepatitis B and C infections can cause severe liver inflammation and scarring. If these infections are not treated, the damage can progress over time and eventually lead to liver cancer. The agency stressed that early detection and prevention are absolutely crucial to breaking this chain and saving lives.
Beyond financial aid, PhilHealth outlined essential preventive measures for the public. These include committing to regular screening and surveillance, as well as completing all recommended vaccinations—with a specific focus on the Hepatitis B vaccine. The agency also advised members to adopt lifestyle choices that protect liver health, such as avoiding foods and substances that can damage the liver and maintaining a balanced diet combined with regular exercise.
Accessing Early Screening Through YAKAP
A vital part of the prevention strategy is the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP). PhilHealth confirmed that early screening for liver cancer is covered under this program. YAKAP benefits include specific screening tests and liver ultrasound procedures aimed at early detection of the disease.
"These services can be accessed at accredited cancer-screening facilities nationwide upon referral from a YAKAP clinic physician," PhilHealth stated. This system ensures that members are guided through the proper channels to receive timely and potentially life-saving diagnostics, reinforcing the message that proactive health management is accessible and supported.
