Legazpi City (16 September) -- PhilHealth members may opt to give birth by normal delivery in lying-in clinics accredited by PhilHealth where they may avail of the PhilHealth Maternity Care Package (MCP) worth P4,500.

The PhilHealth accredited lying-in clinics in the Bicol region are the following: Albay Maternity and Lying-in Clinic (Albay), Children of Abraham Puericulture Center (Albay), Plaza Medica Childbirth Center (Camarines Sur), Naga City Maternity House and Family Planning Center Foundation (Camarines Sur), Villanueva -Tanchuling Birthing Home (Camarines Sur), RHU-Sta. Magdalena (Sorsogon), RHU-Casiguran (Sorsogon), RHU-Bulan (Sorsogon), RHU-Sta. Elena (Camarines Norte), RHU-Libon (Albay), RHU-Matnog (Sorsogon), and RHU-Gubat (Sorsogon).

It must be noted however that PhilHealth only reimburses normal, low-risk deliveries when done in lying-in clinics. Complicated pregnancies and deliveries are not covered when performed in these clinics.

The member may avail of the said amount either through automatic deduction or through direct filing. By automatic deduction, the amount is automatically deducted from the member's bill upon the patient's discharge. Hence, the member has to pay the excess amount only.

PhilHealth will reimburse the lying-in clinic of this amount which will, however, be divided into two payments.

The member may also opt for direct filing of reimbursement, which means he will pay for the whole bill first and file for refund directly at PhilHealth.

To facilitate rimbursement of the said benefit, the lying-in clinic must submit PhilHealth Claim Forms 4 and 4A for the first claim (prenatal, delivery). For the second claim (postnatal care and family planning services), Claim Forms 4 and 4 B are required. These are submitted to PhilHealth together with the PhilHealth Claim Form 1 properly filled in by the member.

The member, if an Individually Paying Member, may avail of the Maternity Care Package if she has paid at least three quarterly contributions within one year prior to the month of delivery. If she is from the government or private sector, she must have at least three monthly contributions within six months prior to th month of delivery.