President Marcos Champions Zero Balance Billing
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called for all Department of Health (DOH)–run hospitals to master the zero balance billing procedure. This move aims to streamline patient-hospital transactions nationwide, ensuring patients receive hassle-free healthcare services.
During his visit to the Eastern Visayas Medical Center in Tacloban City, Leyte, the president personally assessed the implementation of zero balance billing. “We just have to make sure that all hospitals across the Philippines know the procedure since this is new,” he said in a brief statement to the media.
Clear Guidelines and Widespread Eligibility
Marcos emphasized that the system’s framework is straightforward. “But I think they can manage, because it’s very clear what PhilHealth [Philippine Health Insurance Corporation] is, what the DOH is, and who is qualified. Almost everyone is qualified,” he added. Officials reported that this clarity is expected to facilitate smoother adoption of the new billing process.
The president has instructed Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa to ensure that all DOH hospitals are well-versed in the zero balance billing procedure. “So that’s what we are seeing here. Alright, let’s just keep going, keep moving forward. We will continue to improve this,” Marcos said. “This is a good development, but there is still much to be done for the healthcare system — and we can do it. We will definitely see real improvements.” Community members welcomed this assurance as a positive step toward better healthcare access.
Zero Balance Billing: What Patients Should Know
In his recent State of the Nation Address, the president announced that patients admitted for basic accommodation in DOH hospitals will no longer pay out-of-pocket expenses, as their bills will be settled under zero balance billing. However, this benefit currently applies only to basic or ward accommodations, local leaders noted.
The zero balance billing procedure ensures that eligible patients receive medical services without upfront payments, reducing financial burdens during hospital stays. Health officials continue to monitor and guide hospitals in fully implementing this important reform.
Strengthening Healthcare in Eastern Visayas
Before inspecting the hospital, President Marcos led the distribution of 124 patient transport vehicles in Ormoc City, Eastern Visayas. This initiative aims to improve medical transport services, enhancing access to healthcare across the region.
In his address, the president also highlighted the government’s efforts to encourage healthcare workers to remain in the country and continue serving Filipino communities. “You know, our nurses and doctors are thinking of leaving and working abroad. But we are encouraging them to stay. They are Filipinos; of course, they want to help their own people,” he said.
Officials confirmed that, for the first time, every municipality and city in the Philippines now has at least one doctor, marking a significant milestone in expanding healthcare coverage nationwide.
For more news and updates on zero balance billing, visit Filipinokami.com.
