A new measure filed in the House of Representatives seeks to make mental health services more accessible to Filipinos by providing PhilHealth-funded vouchers for consultations, therapy, medication, and other forms of treatment.
House Bill No. 9327, or the proposed Mental Health Voucher Act, aims to establish a Mental Health Voucher System under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). The proposal seeks to help low- and middle-income Filipinos gain access to mental health care without being burdened by high treatment costs.
According to House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos who filed the bill, it is intended to transform mental health care into a service that ordinary families can realistically afford, in line with the administration’s push for more accessible healthcare programs.
“Mental health care should not be a privilege available only to those who can pay for it out of pocket.”
Under the measure, qualified PhilHealth members and their dependents diagnosed with mental health conditions would receive non-transferable vouchers that could be used for psychiatric consultations, therapy sessions, medications, and other approved services from accredited providers.
Applicants would need a mental health assessment certificate issued by a psychiatrist affiliated with an accredited government hospital under the Department of Health (DOH). The certificate must include the diagnosis, treatment plan, required services, and prescribed medication.
The bill also directs PhilHealth to establish a simplified application process, including digital platforms for submitting and evaluating applications. Approved vouchers would remain valid for six to 12 months and could be renewed annually after reassessment.
The proposed system includes tiered benefit packages depending on the severity of the condition. The basic package would cover six to 10 psychiatric consultations annually, therapy sessions, and monthly medication support. Meanwhile, the standard and comprehensive packages would provide expanded consultations, therapy coverage, diagnostics, rehabilitation services, and broader medication assistance.
Marcos said untreated mental health problems affect not only individuals but also families, schools, workplaces, and communities.
“Kapag hindi naaagapan ang mental health problem, buong pamilya ang apektado, pati pag-aaral, trabaho at kabuhayan,” he said.
The measure also proposes the creation of a dedicated Mental Health Fund Pool within PhilHealth, to be financed through annual appropriations, PhilHealth funds, sin tax allocations, and other lawful revenue sources.
Under the bill, PhilHealth would serve as the lead implementing agency, while the DOH and the National Mental Health Council would assist in setting standards, accrediting providers, monitoring services, and evaluating program outcomes.