Access to affordable healthcare remains a challenge for many Filipinos, with the high costs of medical services and medications often forcing families to delay treatment or borrow money when health concerns become more serious. To help address this gap, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has partnered with Maxicare Group, a leading healthcare and insurance solutions provider, to improve access to primary care.

The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing at the Department of Finance Building in Manila, reaffirming Maxicare’s support for government initiatives aimed at making healthcare more accessible.

“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 are expected to gain access to PhilHealth-covered services at Maxicare Clinics nationwide. These services may include medical consultations, animal bite treatment, maternal care, mental health services, and other primary healthcare offerings as implementation progresses.

Members of PhilHealth’s Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) will also be able to access services at Maxicare Clinics and its accredited clinics. YAKAP promotes preventive care and appropriate health risk assessment, encouraging Filipinos to seek medical attention before health concerns become more serious.

“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.”

Bringing Preventive Care Closer To Communities

Maxicare has also supported the government’s preventive healthcare initiatives through its participation in the recent YAKAP in Pisay event at the Philippine Science High School. The school-based initiative, involving the Department of Health (DOH), PhilHealth, and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), aims to bring preventive healthcare services closer to students and school employees, including teachers.

Other government efforts are also seeking to reduce the financial burden of healthcare. A Quezon City district representative recently filed House Bill No. 10984, or 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 out-of-pocket medical expenses.

These initiatives reflect growing recognition of the importance of preventive care, in line with the country’s Universal Health Care Act and Unified National Agenda for Health.

A More Complementary Healthcare System

Maxicare continues to advocate for better healthcare access for Filipinos by working with government health programs. Through stronger collaboration between PhilHealth and health maintenance organizations (HMOs), members can potentially receive more coordinated care while reducing the financial pressure that medical needs place on household budgets.

“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.”

For more information about PhilHealth benefits and programs, visit philhealth.gov.ph. To locate a nearby Maxicare Clinic, visit Maxicare Clinics.