Health care financial support for patients needing medical assistance in Southern Philippines Medical Center
- Author:
Christine May Perandos-Astudillo
1
;
Rodel C Roño
1
;
Clarence Xlasi D Ladrero
1
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH: Medical Assistance; Health Services Accessibility; Mental Health Services
- From: Southern Philippines Medical Center Journal of Health Care Services 2023;9(2):1-
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
- Abstract: Medical assistance programs are government-funded programs that provide financial assistance to low-income individuals and families. These programs aim to reduce financial burdens and improve health care access. Coverage may include outpatient visits, hospital care, mental health services, diagnostic work-ups, prescriptions, and other services. This increases the detection of health conditions and improves drug utilization.1 2 3 Even though government health schemes and compulsory contributory health care financing schemes (e.g., PhilHealth) accounted for the majority of health expenditures in the Philippines, household out-of-pocket (OOP) payment still remains high. In 2022, the country’s total health expenditure (THE) was Php 1.12 trillion, with government health schemes and compulsory contributory health care financing schemes accounting for 44.8% of the THE and household OOP payment accounting for 44.7%. Thus, every Filipino spent an average amount of Php 10,059.49 for health care goods and services in 2022
