HIV patient denied access to health insurance

by Chiara Zambrano, ABS-CBN News
May 4, 2012

MANILA, Philippines – A man diagnosed with HIV has revealed how his healthcare provider ended his insurance coverage because he had the virus.

“Carlo” (not his real name) rushed to the hospital when he discovered an infection near his private parts.

His doctor ordered him to undergo surgery immediately and that’s when he admitted that he had HIV.

“Sinabi ko sa kanya na, ‘Doc, positive ako.’ Kailangan protektahan ko rin ‘yung doktor, kasi maghahawak sila ng dugo ko, pati mga nurse. Tinanong ko sa kanya kung related ba ‘yung pagiging HIV positive ko sa infection, sabi niya hindi kasi lahat naman tayo nagkakaron ng nana,” he said.

But after the operation, Carlo’s health maintenance organization Cocolife called and said they would not cover the almost P50,000 hospital bill he incurred because his insurance does not cover sexually transmitted diseases.

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