House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos has filed a bill seeking to establish a Mental Health Voucher System under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to help low- and middle-income Filipinos access mental health consultations, therapy, medication, and related services.
Marcos said House Bill 9327, or the proposed Mental Health Voucher Act, aims to make mental health care more affordable and accessible, in line with the administration’s healthcare agenda and the legislative priorities of House leadership.
“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 Faustino 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 measure seeks to expand mental health coverage under PhilHealth by creating a voucher system that would provide eligible members and qualified dependents with pre-approved subsidies for mental health services and medication.
The bill builds on Republic Act 11036, or the Mental Health Act, by establishing a financing mechanism intended to help Filipinos whose treatment is delayed or interrupted because of cost.
The bill also proposes the creation of a dedicated Mental Health Fund Pool within PhilHealth, financed through PhilHealth funds, annual appropriations under the national budget, and other lawful sources, including sin tax revenues.
PhilHealth would serve as the lead implementing agency, with the Department of Health and the National Mental Health Council helping set clinical standards, accredit providers, monitor service delivery, and evaluate program outcomes.
Under the proposal, PhilHealth would issue non-transferable mental health vouchers to qualified beneficiaries diagnosed with a mental health condition by a licensed physician.
Applicants would need to submit a mental health assessment certificate issued by a psychiatrist affiliated with an accredited government hospital under the Department of Health.
The bill also requires PhilHealth to establish a streamlined application process, including digital platforms for submitting and evaluating applications.
Approved vouchers would specify the covered benefit package, authorized services, and validity period. The vouchers would remain valid for six to 12 months and could be renewed annually upon re-evaluation.
The proposed system includes three tiers of benefit packages: a basic package for outpatient and early-stage interventions, a standard package for moderate conditions, and a comprehensive package for severe or chronic mental health disorders.
The basic package would cover six to 10 psychiatric consultations annually, at least six therapy sessions, and a monthly medication subsidy.
The standard package would include 10 to 15 psychiatric consultations, at least 12 therapy sessions, expanded medication support, and psychological testing and diagnostic services.
The comprehensive package would provide additional psychiatric consultations as determined by PhilHealth, at least 20 therapy sessions, expanded medication support, rehabilitation, and other mental health services.
“When mental health problems are not addressed early, the entire family is affected, including education, work, and livelihood,” Marcos said.
“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.
