MANILA – House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos is pushing for the immediate passage of a measure that seeks to establish a Mental Health Voucher System under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to help low- and middle-income Filipinos access mental health services.

In a statement on Wednesday, Marcos said the proposed Mental Health Voucher Act aims to make consultations, therapy, medication, and other mental health services more accessible and affordable for ordinary Filipinos.

Marcos said mental health care should not remain limited to those who can afford out-of-pocket expenses.

“Under the leadership of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and Speaker Bojie Dy, we want a system where a struggling student, a parent under pressure, or a worker quietly carrying anxiety or depression can seek help before the crisis becomes unbearable,” he said.

House Bill No. 9327 proposes expanding PhilHealth coverage through a voucher system that would provide eligible members and their dependents with pre-approved subsidies for mental health services and medication.

The proposal builds on Republic Act 11036, or the Mental Health Act, by introducing a direct financing mechanism intended to address gaps in access to care, particularly for patients whose treatment is delayed or interrupted due to cost.

Under the bill, PhilHealth would issue non-transferable mental health vouchers to qualified beneficiaries, which can be used only for accredited mental health services.

Eligible beneficiaries would include PhilHealth members and dependents diagnosed with a mental health condition by a licensed physician.

The measure requires a mental health assessment certificate issued by a psychiatrist from an accredited government hospital under the Department of Health, detailing diagnosis, treatment plan, services, and prescribed medication.

PhilHealth will also be tasked to develop a streamlined application system, including digital platforms, for processing applications.

Once approved, the voucher will indicate covered services and validity period, which would last between six to 12 months and may be renewed annually upon reassessment.

The bill introduces tiered benefit packages: a basic package for outpatient and early-stage care, a standard package for moderate cases, and a comprehensive package for severe or chronic conditions.

The basic package covers up to 10 psychiatric consultations per year, at least six therapy sessions, and monthly medication subsidy.

The standard package includes 10 to 15 psychiatric consultations, at least 12 therapy sessions, expanded medication coverage, and access to psychological testing and diagnostics.

The comprehensive package provides psychiatric consultations as determined by PhilHealth, at least 20 therapy sessions, full or expanded medication support, rehabilitation services, and other necessary care.

Marcos said the measure recognizes that mental health issues affect not only individuals but also families, workplaces, schools, and communities.

“This bill gives people a practical way to seek help, and it reflects the belief of President Marcos and Speaker Dy that health care must meet Filipinos where they are, especially those who suffer quietly because they cannot afford treatment.”

The proposal also creates a Mental Health Fund Pool under PhilHealth, to be funded through the General Appropriations Act, sin tax revenues, and other lawful sources.

PhilHealth will serve as the lead implementing agency, while the Department of Health and the National Mental Health Council will assist in setting standards, accrediting providers, and monitoring implementation.