In this guide, we’re breaking down exactly how to avail Philhealth’s ₱20,000 free medicine assistance.
Philhealth just rolled out a heartwarming new program called YAKAP: Yaman ng Kalusugan Para Malayo sa Sakit — and yes, yakap literally means “hug,” which feels perfect because this initiative is designed to support Filipinos in a big, comforting way.
Under YAKAP is a benefit called the GAMOT (Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment) package, which gives members access to primary care services and up to ₱20,000 a year in outpatient medicines.
Why does this matter? Because so many Filipinos spend a large portion of their own money on medicines each year. With this program, Philhealth aims to reduce that burden, promote early detection of illnesses, and shift the focus from expensive hospital-based care to accessible primary care.
As of February 2026, the program is being rolled out nationwide and represents a major step forward for health equity in the Philippines.
What is Philhealth’s YAKAP Program?
YAKAP stands for “Yaman ng Kalusugan Para Malayo sa Sakit.” It is the enhanced version of PhilHealth’s earlier primary care benefit package known as “Konsulta: Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama”.
Under YAKAP:
- The scope is broader: not just doctor consultations, but also access to essential medicines, laboratory tests, and cancer screening.
- The goal is to bring services accessible to communities, especially underserved and remote areas
- It aims to reduce out-of-pocket expenses and make healthcare more preventive and less reactive.
By combining primary care clinics (YAKAP clinics) with the GAMOT medicines benefit, the program aims to detect health issues early and reduce hospitalization costs.
What are the benefits of the Philhealth YAKAP Program?
1. Free Checkup (Primary Care)
You can avail a free checkup and assessment from a primary care doctor of your chosen YAKAP clinic. Through this service, you’ll also receive a request form (referral) and a prescription from your primary care doctor for Basic Laboratory Services, Cancer Screening Tests, and medicines covered under the GAMOT program.
2. Free Laboratory Tests
You can get free lab tests to help you spot health issues early and take steps to stay well before anything becomes serious. The YAKAP program offers these selected laboratory tests through Philhealth’s listed YAKAP clinics:
3. Free Medicines
Philhealth covers 75 types of medicines, prescribed by doctors at accredited YAKAP clinics. You can avail up to ₱20,000 worth of medicines every year at any participating or accredited GAMOT pharmacies.
4. Free Screening Tests
Philhealth offers free cancer screening tests done at any accredited health facilities referred by doctors from any YAKAP clinic. These tests include:
- Mammogram
- Ultrasound (upper abdomen, pelvic, and breast only)
- Low-dose chest CT scan
- Alpha fetoprotein
- Liver ultrasound
- Colonoscopy
What is the “20K Free Medicine” benefit?
Under the GAMOT component of YAKAP, eligible Philhealth members (and their qualified dependents) can access up to ₱20,000 worth of outpatient medicines per year.
Key details:
- The benefit covers 75 types of medicines (an expansion from the earlier 21 medicines in the older program).
- These medicines cover many common and chronic conditions: infections, asthma, COPD, diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, heart disease, nervous system disorders, and supportive therapies.
- The official implementation of the enhanced benefit started on August 21, 2025.
This means that each year, once you are registered and have a valid prescription from a YAKAP clinic, you may claim medicines (up to ₱20,000) at accredited dispensing facilities.
Who can avail Philhealth YAKAP benefits?
- Government and private employees
- Self-employed members or professional practitioners
- Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
- Kasambahay members
- Lifetime members (retired, at least 60 years old, with 120 months of contribution)
- Solo parent
- Indigents
- Senior Citizens
- Beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps)
- Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)
- Infants
- Children under 21 years old
How to Avail Philhealth 20K Free Medicine Benefits Under the YAKAP Program?
1. Register with a YAKAP clinic
Choose a YAKAP clinic/provider of your choice. Many existing Konsulta clinics have been converted into YAKAP clinics. Register your membership or update your details via one of the following:
- The eGovPH App
- The Philhealth Member Portal
- Visit a Philhealth office in your area
- Go directly to the YAKAP clinic (primary care provider) and inform them that you want to enroll.
- Other channels like Philhealth Action Center, Philhealth Customer Assistance, Relations and Empowerment Staff, and Philhealth Agents in Member Service)
Philhealth will eventually add more participating pharmacies where you can avail free medicines and lab tests.
2. Get your scheduled First Patient Encounter (FPE) details
Once registered, your chosen clinic becomes your primary care provider for YAKAP/GAMOT benefits. Visit your YAKAP clinic to confirm your schedule. Ensure your Philhealth membership is active, and your details (address, dependents) are up to date. Keep your Philhealth Identification Number (PIN), government-issued ID, and any required documents ready.
3. Visit your YAKAP clinic and get your Comprehensive Health Screening and Monitoring Tests
The doctor assesses your health condition. You will receive a valid prescription to access the following, if needed: Basic Laboratory Services, Cancer Screening Test Referrals, and Medicines under Philhealth GAMOT.
The prescription is generated through the GAMOT app, issued by an accredited YAKAP provider, encoded in the e-Konsulta system, and contains your unique identifiers.
4. Take your prescription to any accredited GAMOT pharmacy
Take that prescription, along with a valid government-issued ID, to one of the accredited GAMOT dispensing facilities or pharmacies. The dispensing facility checks the prescription, validates via the GAMOT App (or system), and then dispenses the medicine at no cost (within the benefit coverage).
5. Attend your scheduled follow-up consultation for regular health monitoring
Continue regular consultations and medication refills as needed, up to the annual benefit limit. Monitor your annual limit (₱20,000). Once you approach it, you may need to verify the remaining balance.
What are the requirements to avail Philhealth 20K free medicines under the YAKAP program?
- Philhealth Identification Number (PIN)
- Prescription from an accredited YAKAP clinic
- Valid government-issued ID
Philhealth 20K Medicine List
How many medicines are covered and for what conditions? The list of 75 medicines covers a wide range of outpatient drug therapies. While Philhealth publishes an official list (see Circular PC 2025-0013), some of the conditions covered include:
- Infections (antimicrobials)
- Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Diabetes mellitus
- Dyslipidaemia (high cholesterol) & hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Heart conditions (cardiology)
- Nervous system disorders & supportive therapies
In short, the benefit is designed to help those with chronic diseases (which often require continuous medication) as well as those receiving outpatient treatment for more acute conditions.
Accredited GAMOT-facility and pharmacy list
Philhealth continues to accredit more facilities nationwide, so check for accredited YAKAP clinics and GAMOT facilities in your province or city. To view the complete and updated list of accredited clinics, visit this page: Philhealth Accredited YAKAP Clinic List
Comparison with Previous Konsulta Medicines Benefits (Konsulta vs. YAKAP)
| Feature | (Previous) Konsulta | YAKAP |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Covered Medicines | 21 types | 75 types |
| Annual Medicine Benefit Limit | Lower | ₱20,000 |
| Coverage Scope | Consultation + limited medicines | Consultation + medicines + labs + cancer screening |
| Program Focus | Mainly doctor visits | Primary care + preventive + outpatient medicines |
| National Rollout | Select provinces | Nationwide rollout from Aug. 2025 onwards |
Thus, the new program offers more medicines, clearer monetary benefits, and a broader scope for primary care.
Limitations and important conditions to note
While the program has significant benefits, there are important conditions:
- The ₱20,000 annual limit is for outpatient medicines under GAMOT. It does not cover confinement, hospital inpatient drugs, or non-accredited medicines.
- Medicines must be prescribed by an accredited physician at a YAKAP clinic and dispensed at an accredited GAMOT facility. If you bypass these, you might not avail yourself of the benefit
- Only the specified list of 75 medicines is covered; any medicine not on the list may not be included or may require co-payment.
- Accreditation and service coverage may vary by region (especially in remote areas) – always confirm if your area has an accredited clinic and pharmacy.
- Registration and membership must be active — you must be an active member of Philhealth or eligible for the YAKAP program
Tips for maximizing your benefit
- Register early with a YAKAP clinic and ensure your membership details are up to date.
- Choose a nearby accredited clinic and a frequently used accredited pharmacy so you don’t have to travel far.
- Keep your membership active — pay your contributions (if required), update dependents, and check your PIN.
- Ask your doctor whether your medicines are included in the 75-medicine list, and ensure the prescription includes the UPSC.
- Track your annual usage — once you approach the ₱20,000 limit, plan for the next year.
- Keep all documents: prescriptions, ID, receipts from pharmacy, for your own reference in case of audit or queries.
- Use preventive services offered under YAKAP (labs, screening) – this helps catch disease early and may reduce the need for expensive treatments later.
- Confirm accreditation locally — if your area lacks an accredited GAMOT facility, ask your local PhilHealth office for updates.
FAQs About the YAKAP program
Who can access the Philhealth 20K free medicine benefit?
Members of Philhealth (and their qualified dependents) enrolled under the YAKAP program who visit an accredited YAKAP clinic, get a valid prescription, and then go to an accredited GAMOT dispensing facility (pharmacy)
When did the benefit become available?
The enhanced benefit, covering 75 medicines with a ₱20,000 annual cap, officially rolled out on 21 August 2025.
Do I have to pay anything for the medicines?
If you follow the correct process (YAKAP clinic, accredited prescription, GAMOT facility), the medicines are covered up to the annual limit (for free). Any medicine not on the list or a non-accredited facility may incur costs.
Can I use the benefit multiple times throughout the year?
Yes. You can avail outpatient medicines multiple times as needed, as long as you stay within the ₱20,000 annual benefit and follow the required steps each time.
What if I exceed the ₱20,000 limit?
Once you exceed the annual limit, further medicines may not be covered under this benefit for that year, and you may need to pay out-of-pocket or use other benefits. It’s best to track usage.
Are hospitalization and inpatient medicines covered under this benefit?
No. This benefit applies only to outpatient medicines. Inpatient or hospital-based care will fall under other Philhealth packages or benefits.
How do I know if my local pharmacy is accredited?
You can ask your YAKAP clinic or local Philhealth office for the list of accredited GAMOT facilities/pharmacies in your region. Many are being added nationwide.
Final thoughts:
The “Philhealth 20K Free Medicine Assistance Yakap Program” is a major milestone in the Philippines’ health insurance landscape. By giving each eligible member up to ₱20,000 annually for outpatient medicines (75 covered types) through the YAKAP/GAMOT programs, the initiative addresses a major cost barrier for many Filipinos.
If you’re a Philhealth member (or dependent), now is the time to register with a YAKAP clinic, update your membership details, and familiarize yourself with accredited pharmacies in your area. With proactive use, you could save a substantial amount on medicines while achieving better health outcomes.
Don’t delay — access your benefit early and make the most of it!
Related Article:
New Philhealth Contribution Table
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or official Philhealth advice. Program details, benefits, and eligibility may change. For the most updated information, please consult Philhealth directly or visit their official website or accredited YAKAP clinics.
