CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (August 1, 2025) — More than 4.5 million Filipinos and their dependents in Northern Mindanao will benefit from the expanded coverage for primary and outpatient care services under the new Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth)

This aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive for accessible healthcare, as outlined in his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28.

“Lahat po tayo ay miyembro ng PhilHealth. Pinataas at pinaganda na rin natin ang mga benepisyo. Lalo na para sa mga karamdaman na laganap dito sa ating bansa,” President Marcos said, reaffirming the expanded coverage for treatments including cancer, heart diseases, kidney transplant, emergency care services, and medicines.

Launched on July 25, PhilHealth YAKAP is an evolution of the Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama (Konsulta) program. It brings integrated primary and outpatient care services—such as an expanded package of health services, medicines, check-ups, and basic laboratory tests—to communities to reduce the need for hospital confinement.

Under YAKAP, members can avail themselves of six free cancer screening tests at select hospitals, as prescribed by accredited primary care providers. Members also receive free medical consultations, 13 free laboratory tests, and access to 75 medicines at no cost through the Guaranteed Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) component of the program, which will roll out in the coming weeks.

PhilHealth Regional Vice President Delio A. Aseron II said the program reflects the insurer’s shift in response to the President’s call for accessible healthcare services for all Filipinos.

“Ang PhilHealth ay hindi lamang po curative. We’re now investing in preventive care. Ayaw na natin magkasakit at ma-ospital. Dapat bawat isa po ay nagpapatingin sa isang doktor para maagapan at tayo ay maging malusog,” Aseron said.

He also emphasized that PhilHealth remains a partner for all Filipinos in healthcare.

“Andito po palagi ang PhilHealth para tumulong sa mga gastusin, kung kaya’t ang YAKAP po ay niyayakap po kayo ng pamahalaan para ipaalam na ang kalusugan ay mahalaga, na ang benepisyo ay nandiyan sa oras ng pangangailangan,” Aseron said.

To avail of these benefits, PhilHealth encourages Filipinos to register for YAKAP through the eGovPH app or via other channels such as the PhilHealth Member Portal (www.philhealth.gov.ph), any PhilHealth Local Health Insurance Office nationwide, or the nearest PhilHealth-accredited primary care provider.

For 24-year-old PhilHealth member Jay Edpan, the new initiative is a step toward expanding access to healthcare for more Filipinos.

“With this [expanded coverage] for medicine and medical tests, this will ease the burden of Filipinos, ilabina katong galisod gyud og pa-check up (especially those finding it hard to get checked). Now that YAKAP is available through the eGov app, mas daghan pa gyud maka-benefit ug naay better access to healthcare (many more will be able to benefit and have better access to healthcare),” Edpan said. (Gabriel D. Andres/PIA-10)