In a significant healthcare enhancement, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has dramatically expanded its financial coverage for breast cancer to a maximum of ₱1.4 million, representing a 1,300% increase from the previous ₱100,000 package. The move, announced during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, aims to address the country’s critically low screening rates and high mortality rates by removing cost as a barrier to early detection and treatment .
The enhanced “Z Benefit Package for Breast Cancer” now covers all disease stages, from Stage 0 to Stage 4, including patients already undergoing treatment. This expansion is part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s broader priority to improve healthcare accessibility for all Filipinos .
A Critical Need: Addressing the Philippine Breast Cancer Crisis
The substantial increase in coverage comes in response to an alarming healthcare situation. The Philippines has one of the highest breast cancer mortality rates in Asia, exacerbated by extremely low screening rates .
A 2023 study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies revealed that only 1% of Filipino women—approximately 540,000 out of an estimated 54 million—underwent cancer screening. This low screening rate contributes to a devastating trend where up to 65% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, significantly reducing the five-year survival rate .
From Screening to Treatment: Comprehensive Financial Coverage
Enhanced Z Benefit Package
- Coverage Amount: Increased by 1,300% to a maximum of ₱1.4 million from the previous ₱100,000
- Coverage Scope: Now includes all breast cancer stages (0 to 4), including patients already in treatment
- Current Impact: As of September 2025, the program has already paid out ₱72.03 million for breast cancer benefits
PhilHealth YAKAP for Early Detection
The PhilHealth YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan Program) provides complementary outpatient screening benefits to encourage early detection :
| Service | Covered Amount |
|---|---|
| Mammogram | ₱2,610 |
| Breast Ultrasound | ₱1,350 |
This comprehensive approach ensures financial protection from initial diagnostic tests through complex targeted therapy, creating a continuous support system for patients .
Leadership Perspective: A Call to Action
PhilHealth President and CEO Dr. Edwin M. Mercado emphasized the program’s importance in encouraging women to prioritize their health without financial fear.
“Sa pamamagitan ng PhilHealth YAKAP, ginagawa naming mas madali at mas abot-kaya ang serbisyong pangkalusugan. Hinihikayat ko ang bawat babae na huwag ipagpaliban ang inyong kalusugan. Magpa-check-up, follow-up, at sundan ang tamang gamutan. Ito ang karapatan ninyo, at narito kami para suportahan kayo,” Dr. Mercado stated .
How to Access the Benefits
According to PhilHealth guidelines, members seeking to avail of the Z Benefit Package must:
- Be a Filipino citizen and a current PhilHealth member
- Receive treatment at a PhilHealth-contracted hospital with a dedicated Z benefits coordinator
- Complete the pre-authorization process through the hospital, which typically takes up to seven working days
The No Balance Billing Policy applies to senior citizens, lifetime members, indigents, sponsored members, and kasambahay (household helpers), meaning these groups will not incur out-of-pocket expenses under the Z Benefit Package .
A Significant Step Forward
This enhanced coverage represents one of the most substantial healthcare benefit improvements in recent years, potentially transforming breast cancer from a financially catastrophic diagnosis to a manageable health condition for millions of Filipinos.
By addressing both early detection through YAKAP and comprehensive treatment through the Z Benefit Package, PhilHealth aims to significantly improve survival rates and quality of life for breast cancer patients across the country.
For more information, members may contact PhilHealth’s 24/7 touchpoints at (02) 866-225-88 or mobile numbers (Smart) 0998-857-2957, 0968-865-4670, (Globe) 0917-1275987, or 0917-1109812#
