PhilHealth Reminds Level 1-3 Hospitals to Provide Emergency Care Benefits

ALL accredited hospitals and medical facilities classified as Levels 1 to 3 are expected to provide the Outpatient Emergency Care Benefit (OECB) package to patients, according to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

PhilHealth stated that these hospitals are mandated to offer the new benefit package promptly. The Facility-based Emergency (FBE) Benefit under the OECB covers all outpatient emergency cases managed in the emergency department of PhilHealth-accredited Level 1, 2, and 3 hospitals, as per PhilHealth Advisory No. 2025-0042.

All such medical facilities must consistently provide the benefit package to PhilHealth members and dependents. PhilHealth reminded all accredited hospitals to strictly implement the deduction of the OECB package. Failure to comply can result in administrative liabilities.

According to PhilHealth, hospitals that do not follow the Circular may face consequences such as being subject to the Health Care Provider Performance Assessment System (HCP PAS) Policy and possible administrative actions, including Breach of the Performance Commitment.

In February 2025, PhilHealth introduced the Outpatient Emergency Care Benefit (OECB) through Circular No. 2024-0033. (Anton Banal/SunStar Philippines)