THE Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) will implement expanded maternity benefits starting April 30, upping the coverage for normal delivery in hospitals to P29,000 from P9,750, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. said on Wednesday.
For cesarean delivery, the coverage will be P58,000 from P37,000.
“Prenatal care has also been expanded from four check-ups to eight, including vaccinations and laboratory tests,” he said in a video in Filipino. “And after giving birth, three follow-up visits are now covered.”
He said the government aims to ensure each mother can give birth safely and without worrying about finances.
“We want no life to be put in danger just because of a lack of money.” — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

