Cancer Patients Assistance Programs in the Philippines

Assistance programs for cancer patients exist because the costs of treatment, along with the emotional toll, can be overwhelming. That said, there are many government offices and private institutions in the Philippines that offer a variety of cancer patient assistance programs designed to cater to different needs, including financial aid, healthcare services, and emotional support.

Cancer is a disease where abnormal cells in the body grow uncontrollably, potentially spreading to other parts of the body and disrupting normal bodily functions. This can lead to severe physical, emotional, and financial challenges for the patient, making it a life-altering condition.

These assistance programs ensure that the cancer patients in the country, regardless of their economic status, have access to the necessary treatments and support systems, improving their quality of life during their cancer journey.

Table of Contents

Types of Cancer Patient Assistance Programs Available in the Philippines

In the Philippines, various government programs and non-government organizations offer a wide range of assistance to cancer patients. These services are available to help with medical treatments and provide necessary support to improve patients’ quality of life. Below is a categorization of the assistance offered:

Medical Financial Assistance: Programs offering financial support to help cover medical expenses, including hospitalization, treatments, and medications for cancer patients.
Healthcare Services: Initiatives providing access to healthcare facilities, screenings, diagnostics, and comprehensive medical treatments for various types of cancer.
Social and Emotional Support: Services focused on offering emotional care, guidance, and community support to cancer patients and their families.
Advocacy and Patient Rights: Efforts dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of cancer patients, ensuring they receive adequate care and representation in the healthcare system.
Specific Cancer Treatments: Programs providing targeted cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and specialized medications to improve patient outcomes.

These programs and organizations work collaboratively to support cancer patients, from providing financial aid for treatments to offering emotional support and advocacy for patient rights.

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Government Programs

Malasakit Center – Medical Assistance

The Malasakit Center serves as a one-stop shop for medical and financial assistance, primarily targeting indigent patients in DOH-retained hospitals. It aims to streamline access to various government health services and financial aid for medical expenses. The centers facilitate the process of availing assistance by coordinating with multiple government agencies.

Purpose: To provide easier access to medical assistance for low-income patients.

Benefits:

Assistance with hospital bills and medications.
Up to Php 50,000.00 from the Presidential Social Fund (PSF).
Additional support from other government agencies based on assessments.
No cash assistance is provided; support is through guarantee letters.

PhilHealth (Philippine Health Insurance Corporation) – Z Benefit Package

The PhilHealth Z Benefit Package offers comprehensive coverage for high-cost medical conditions, including various cancers. Introduced in 2012, it aims to promote timely intervention and improve the quality of life for affected individuals. Recent enhancements have expanded coverage for breast cancer treatments. It requires going only to the selected contracted hospitals for the procedures from the start of the diagnosis to the end of the treatment to avail of the benefits.

Purpose: To reduce financial barriers and improve access to necessary cancer treatments.

Benefits:

Acute Lymphocytic / Lymphoblastic Leukemia (standard risk) – P500,000
Breast Cancer
- (Stage 0 to IV) – P1.4 million
Prostate Cancer
- (low to intermediate risk) – P100,000
Cervical Cancer:
- Chemoradiation with Cobalt and Brachytherapy (low dose) or Primary surgery for Stage IA1, IA2 – IIA1 – P120,000
- Chemoradiation with Linear Accelerator and Brachytherapy (high dose) – P175,000
Colon Cancer
- Stage I-II (low risk) – P150,000
- Stage II (high risk) – III – P300,00
Rectum Cancer
- Stage I (clinical and pathologic) – P150,000
- Pre-operative clinical stage I but with post-operative pathologic stage II-III
  - using linear accelerator as mode of radiotherapy) – P400,000
  - using cobalt as mode of radiotherapy – P320,000
- Clinical Stage II-III
  - using linear accelerator as mode of radiotherapy) – P400,000
  - using cobalt as mode of radiotherapy -P320,000

Note: The cash assistance under the Z benefit package is supposed to cover the following:

hospital room and board fees
laboratory exams
medicines
operating room fees, mandatory and other services
professional fees

Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) – Medical Access Program (MAP)

PCSO MAP provides financial aid to individuals facing health-related issues, particularly those unable to cover medical expenses. It partners with hospitals, health facilities, and pharmacies to ensure comprehensive support for beneficiaries. This PCSO program covers a wide range of medical needs and costs.

Purpose: To provide financial assistance for medical and hospitalization expenses.

Benefits:

Coverage for hospitalization costs, chemotherapy drugs, and specialty medicines.
Support for laboratory tests, medical devices, and rehabilitation therapy.
Amount provided varies based on diagnosis and hospitalization needs.

Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) – Individual Medical Assistance Program (IMAP)

IMAP is a component of MAP that offers financial support for medical expenses using a patient classification system. It focuses on providing individual financial assistance for hospitalization and medical treatments, regardless of the applicant’s economic background. This PCSO program emphasizes timely assistance to ensure patients receive necessary care.

Purpose: To provide immediate financial assistance for medical and hospitalization expenses.

Benefits:

Coverage for hospitalization and medical treatments.
100% coverage for patients in government hospital charity wards classified as “F.”
90% coverage in government hospital pay sections and up to 70% in private charity wards.
Coverage for outpatient services and chemotherapy, with specific amounts based on medical requirements.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS)

AICS provides diverse support to individuals and families in crisis, including financial assistance, food, and medical help. The program aims to address urgent needs and promote recovery from adverse conditions, with streamlined application processes to enhance accessibility. Assistance is available through local DSWD offices.

Purpose: To provide immediate support to those facing crises or severe economic difficulties.

Benefits:

Medical assistance covering hospital bills and medications.
Funeral assistance for burial expenses.
Educational assistance for schooling needs.
Transportation assistance for travel costs.
Material assistance including non-food items and referrals for medical aid.
Cash relief for emergencies like fire victims and stranded individuals.

Department of Health (DOH) – Cancer Support and Palliative Medicine Access Program (CSPMAP)

The CSPMAP of the DOH aims to provide access to free medicines not covered by PhilHealth, minimizing out-of-pocket expenses for cancer patients. It is part of the National Integrated Cancer Control Program and focuses on various priority cancer types. The program complements existing financial support mechanisms for cancer patients and survivors.

Purpose: To enhance access to cancer medicines and treatments.

Benefits:

Free cancer medicines through accredited DOH cancer treatment facilities.
Funding for cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
Support for care-related components for priority cancer types.

SSS (Social Security System) – Sickness Benefits

This SSS benefit provides daily cash allowances to qualified members who are unable to work due to illness or injury. Members must have exhausted all paid leave and made at least three monthly contributions within the last 12 months before the semester of sickness. A maximum of 120 days of sick leave can be claimed per calendar year.

Purpose: To support members financially during periods of illness or injury that prevent them from working.

Benefits:

Daily cash allowance of 90% of the member’s average daily salary credit (ADSC).
Benefit duration of up to 120 days per calendar year.

SSS (Social Security System) – Disability Claims

SSS also offers a disability benefit which provides a monthly pension or a lump sum payment to members who have become permanently disabled, either partially or fully. The SSS evaluates a range of disabilities and requires a medical assessment to determine eligibility. To qualify, a member must have made at least one monthly contribution before the semester of disability. After all, cancer patients are classified as persons with disability (PWD), so they can also apply for this benefit.

Purpose: To provide financial support to members who become permanently disabled and are unable to work.

Benefits:

Monthly Pension: Varies based on contributions and average salary.
Minimum Pension:
- PHP 1,000 for less than 10 credited years of service (CYS).
- PHP 1,200 for 10 or more CYS.
- PHP 2,400 for 20 or more CYS.
Additional Benefits:
- PHP 500 monthly supplemental allowance.
- PHP 1,000 additional benefit since January 2017.
- 13th Month Pension paid every December to total disability pensioners and partial disability pensioners with at least 12 months of pension duration.
Dependent’s Pension (for total disability): 10% of the member’s basic pension or PHP 250, whichever is higher, for up to five minor children.
Lump sum payment for members with fewer contributions.

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) – Medical Assistance for Cancer Patients

PAGCOR provides medical assistance specifically for cancer patients through various programs associated with treatment. The assistance includes funding for medications, chemotherapy, and other necessary medical interventions. This initiative is part of PAGCOR’s commitment to support health services and improve the quality of life for patients battling cancer.

Purpose: To provide financial support for cancer patients in need of medical assistance.

Benefits:

Coverage for chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Assistance with the purchase of necessary medications.
Support for other medical needs as assessed by healthcare providers.

Office of the President – Medical Assistance

The Office of the President offers medical assistance programs aimed at providing financial support for patients with serious medical conditions, including cancer. This initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to ensure that citizens receive the healthcare they need without facing financial hardship. The assistance is usually delivered through guarantee letters to hospitals.

Purpose: To provide immediate financial aid for medical expenses to patients in need.

Benefits:

Financial assistance for hospital bills and treatments.
Access to various healthcare services through government hospitals.

Office of the Vice President (OVP) – Medical Assistance

The Office of the Vice President provides assistance for cancer patients specifically for treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and brachytherapy. This program aims to ensure that patients have access to essential cancer treatments. The OVP collaborates with healthcare providers to facilitate the assistance process.

Purpose: To help cancer patients access necessary treatments.

Benefits:

Financial support for chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and brachytherapy.
Assistance is provided based on the patient’s medical needs and circumstances.

Public Assistance Center through the Senate of the Philippines – Online Medical Assistance

The Senate of the Philippines has established an online platform for constituents to request medical assistance from the following offices, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic;

Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III

Senate Office: Rm. 606-609 & 1 (New Wing 5/F)