Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative and House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos has introduced a legislative measure aimed at establishing a Mental Health Voucher System under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). The initiative seeks to grant low and middle-income Filipinos affordable access to consultations, therapy, medication, and essential mental health services.
“Mental health care should not be a privilege available only to those who can pay for it out of pocket,” Marcos said.
“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 added.
The proposed Mental Health Voucher Act, filed as House Bill 9327, intends to transform mental health care from a luxury into an accessible service for ordinary families. Under this bill, PhilHealth will issue non-transferable vouchers to qualified beneficiaries. Each voucher serves as a pre-approved financial subsidy dedicated solely to covered services from accredited mental health providers.
Tiered Benefit Packages
To address varying levels of mental healthcare needs, HB 9327 outlines three tiered benefit packages:
- Basic Package (Outpatient & Early-Stage Interventions): Covers 6 to 10 psychiatric consultations per year, at least 6 therapy sessions, and a monthly medication subsidy.
- Standard Package (Moderate Conditions): Covers 10 to 15 psychiatric consultations, at least 12 therapy sessions, expanded medication coverage, and access to psychological testing and diagnostics.
- Comprehensive Package: Designed for severe or chronic mental health conditions.
Marcos emphasized that addressing mental health issues early prevents wider socio-economic repercussions for Filipino households.
“Kapag hindi naaagapan ang mental health problem, buong pamilya ang apektado, pati pag-aaral, trabaho at kabuhayan,” Marcos said.
If a mental health problem is not treated early, the whole family is affected, including education, work, and livelihood.
“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,” he added.
To ensure the sustainability of the program, HB 9327 mandates the creation of a dedicated Mental Health Fund Pool within PhilHealth. Funding for the voucher system will be sourced from PhilHealth’s internal budget, the General Appropriations Act (GAA), sin tax allocations, and other earmarked health revenues.