President Marcos Champions Zero Balance Billing
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is determined to resolve the challenges surrounding the implementation of the zero balance billing system in the approximately 80 Department of Health (DOH) hospitals nationwide. This initiative, praised for its promise but questioned by some, aims to provide Filipino patients with healthcare services without requiring any out-of-pocket payment.
During a recent visit to the Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC) in Tacloban City, Leyte, the President, accompanied by Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, personally assessed how the zero balance billing program is functioning in government-run hospitals. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that all DOH hospitals fully understand and efficiently execute the procedures of this innovative program.
Ensuring Smooth Implementation Across Facilities
“We received reports that after the zero balance billing was implemented, DOH hospitals experienced long lines. Sometimes, the hospitals do not know what to do,” the President remarked. However, after his visit, he noted, “But from what I have seen here, everybody knows what they are supposed to do.”
He instructed Secretary Herbosa to guarantee that all DOH hospitals nationwide are fully versed in the new system. “We just have to make sure that all hospitals across the Philippines know the procedure since this is new. But I think they can manage, because it’s very clear what PhilHealth is, what the DOH is, and who is qualified. Almost everyone is qualified,” Marcos added.
Looking ahead, the President expressed optimism about further enhancements to the healthcare system. “We will continue to improve this. 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,” he said.
Real-Life Impact: Nearly Half a Million Pesos Waived
One of the program’s beneficiaries is 48-year-old Rico Ligo, who was admitted to EVMC after sustaining serious injuries from a stabbing incident in Alangalang, Leyte. His hospital bill, covering surgery and other medical services, totaled P447,923.93.
Rico’s daughter, Rica Ligo, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the President and the DOH, sharing that their family paid nothing out of pocket thanks to zero balance billing. “The hospital and professional fees were shouldered by PhilHealth, while the DOH covered other medical expenses. Even the unused medicines were refunded,” Rica said.
She further explained, “My father is only a mall maintenance worker earning minimum wage, so without this program, we could not have afforded the hospital bills.”
According to DOH-EVMC officials, as of July 31, the program has benefited 12,357 patients. EVMC is the largest DOH hospital in Eastern Visayas, with a capacity of 1,100 beds. It serves patients from Leyte, Samar, and nearby provinces, offering 17 specialty centers and handling complex cases, making it a critical healthcare hub in the region.
Policy Details and Nationwide Expansion
President Marcos announced during his fourth State of the Nation Address that all patients admitted to basic wards in the 78 existing DOH hospitals will no longer pay out-of-pocket expenses. This zero balance billing policy will also extend to four specialty hospitals and five soon-to-be-operational DOH hospitals.
However, the policy applies only to basic ward accommodations. Patients opting for private rooms will not qualify for zero balance billing.
The DOH began implementing zero balance billing on May 14, ahead of the President’s formal announcement. Secretary Herbosa emphasized that the program requires no extra documentation or interviews, covering all costs, including medicines and professional fees.
He assured the public of sufficient funding, noting that the President authorized a 15 percent increase in the maintenance and other operating expenses budget for all DOH hospitals.
Concerns from Health Workers and Lawmakers
Despite the program’s promise, the Alliance of Health Workers (AHW) warned that the new policy might strain DOH hospitals, as it was launched without increasing hospital staffing. They cautioned that this could compromise service quality if not addressed promptly.
Separately, a senator called for additional legislation to allocate P74.4 billion in subsidies for PhilHealth. This measure aims to sustain the zero balance billing promise under the Universal Health Care (UHC) law.
Patient Transport Vehicles Distributed in Eastern Visayas
On the same day, the President committed to providing patient transport vehicles (PTVs) to all 1,642 cities and municipalities nationwide. In Eastern Visayas alone, 124 PTVs were distributed to various areas including Biliran, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Samar, Southern Leyte, and Leyte.
“Out of the 1,642 cities and towns, we have been able to give away 1,173 PTVs so it’s already near our goal,” Marcos stated. He also shared that the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office is preparing for a second round of PTV distributions later this year.
Each vehicle is equipped with essential medical tools such as stretchers, oxygen tanks, and blood pressure monitors to support patient care during transport.
For more news and updates on zero balance billing, visit Filipinokami.com.
