Manila, Feb. 11 -- TACLOBAN CITY - The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) has paid at least PHP5.6 billion in benefits in Eastern Visayas in 2024, up from PHP3.7 billion in the previous year.

The amount covered 600,580 claims as more members became aware of health care benefits intended for them, PhilHealth 8 (Eastern Visayas) field operations division chief Asisclo Militante Jr. said.

"We had more claims last year as we expanded our coverage, especially for poor families. We are focused on maintaining critical services - inpatient care, outpatient consultations, and preventive health programs - especially for those who need them most, minimizing the impact of any funding challenges," Militante told reporters during the Kapi...