The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is studying the creation of benefit packages covering prescription eyeglasses and assistive devices.

In a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview on Wednesday, PhilHealth Health Finance Policy Sector senior vice president Israel Francis Pargas said the study includes the financial impact analysis as the items would not just be a one-time benefit once these packages are implemented.

“Hopefully, po ito ay maipalabas natin bago matapos ang taon at maging epektibo sa taong 2025 (we’re able to release this before the year ends and take effect in 2025),” he said.

To date, the PhilHealth has coverage for low vision glasses and assistive devices children with disabilities like those who have cerebral palsy, among others.

The benefit packages will include wheelchairs, crutches, canes and walkers.

The packages will not be exclusive to senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

Anyone prescribed by physicians to use eyeglasses and assistive devices could avail of the packages.

Proper costing of the devices, accepted standards of care or guidelines and proper distribution of the devices are being considered by the state-insurer.

“Ang Philhealth is sanay doon sa pagbabayad ng mga (Philhealth is used to paying) in-patient or confinement cases but this time will cover devices,” Pargas said.

Apart from responding to the request of PhilHealth members and the Congress, he said development of packages covering such devices is aligned with the Universal Health Care Act which emphasizes the provision of a comprehensive benefit package to all Filipinos.

He said eyeglasses and assistive devices are important in providing ease of mobility to those who need them. (PNA)