Access to affordable healthcare remains a persistent challenge for many Filipinos. While medical services are available, the high costs of consultations, treatments, and medications often put them beyond reach. As a result, some people neglect their health concerns, while others resort to borrowing money to pay for treatment only after their conditions have worsened. To help address this gap, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has partnered with Maxicare Group, a leading healthcare and insurance solutions provider.
Formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Department of Finance Building in Manila, the partnership underscores Maxicare’s support for government initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access for Filipinos.
“PhilHealth and the HMOs have served the same Filipinos in parallel for decades. Today we take another step towards the progressive implementation of Universal Health Care by improving the complementation of benefits of both payors,” said Christian Argos, Maxicare Group President and CEO.
Through the partnership, PhilHealth members may soon be able to access PhilHealth-covered services at Maxicare Clinics nationwide. These services are expected to include consultations, animal bite treatment, maternal care, mental health services, and more.
In addition, members of the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) will be able to avail themselves of services at Maxicare Clinics and its accredited clinics. PhilHealth’s YAKAP program promotes preventive healthcare and proper health risk assessment to help Filipinos identify potential health concerns early.
As access to Maxicare Clinics expands to PhilHealth members, more Filipinos can conveniently benefit from the quality healthcare services offered by the provider.
“Today’s signing is an important event for a more coordinated, complementary, and member-centered health financing system, where PhilHealth and HMO work together rather than in parallel,” said Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho, PhilHealth President and CEO. “The goal is a more seamless patient journey, with less duplication, fewer administrative barriers, and greater accountability amongst us payors and the providers.”
In support of its commitment to preventive healthcare, Maxicare recently participated in YAKAP in Pisay, held at the Philippine Science High School. The school-based initiative brings together the Department of Health (DOH), PhilHealth, and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to make preventive healthcare more accessible to students and school personnel, including teachers.
Meanwhile, a Quezon City district representative recently filed House Bill (HB) No. 10984, also known as the proposed Health Care for Public School Teachers Act. The measure seeks to provide public school teachers with additional health coverage on top of their existing medical allowance, helping reduce their out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.
These initiatives reflect growing recognition of the importance of preventive care in the Philippines, a priority also reinforced by the government’s Universal Health Care Act and Unified National Agenda for Health.
Maxicare has consistently advocated for better healthcare for every Filipino. Through partnerships with government health programs, the company aims to empower Filipinos to take charge of their health more conveniently and affordably, without compromising their family’s budget for everyday necessities.
“The HMOs are making a commitment of our own,” Argos added. “As PhilHealth covers more of primary care, we will use that room to expand what our members receive. The value should go back to the member.”
To learn more about PhilHealth’s benefits and programs, visit philhealth.gov.ph.
For information on Maxicare Clinics and to find the nearest location, visit maxicare.com.ph/get-care/maxicare-clinics.
