Zero Balance Billing Applies to All Patients in DOH Hospitals
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed that the zero balance billing policy allows every patient to be admitted and treated without paying any fees in any of the 87 DOH-run hospitals nationwide. This announcement brings relief to many Filipinos seeking affordable healthcare.
DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa clarified that the zero balance billing applies specifically to patients admitted in the basic accommodation wards. “Yes. Basta na-admit kayo sa basic accommodation. Very important, piliin natin yung basic accommodation para wala na kayong babayaran sa DOH hospitals,” he said during the post-State of the Nation Address forum.
President Marcos Jr. Highlights Nationwide Implementation
In his fourth State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. revealed that the zero balance billing system has been launched in all 87 DOH-managed hospitals since May 18. However, he noted that patients who opt for private rooms will not benefit from this policy and must shoulder the costs themselves.
The president emphasized that funding for this program comes from medical assistance budgets of government agencies like the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, and the DOH’s Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients program.
Government Corporations Excluded From Zero Billing
Secretary Herbosa also explained that four government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs)—National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Lung Center of the Philippines, Philippine Heart Center, and Philippine Children’s Medical Center—are not covered by the zero balance billing policy. These institutions have more private rooms and generate income that helps subsidize ward accommodations.
“Yung four GOCCs lang because we treat them like a private. Pero kapag naadmit, mayroon kaming benefit packages doon. Example sa [Philippine Heart Center], yung PCI [Percutaneous Coronary Intervention] package, nacocover, wala nang babayaran,” Herbosa added.
Funding and Sustainability of Zero Balance Billing
Regarding the program’s sustainability, Herbosa said it relies heavily on government funding allocated annually. He also pointed out that increases in PhilHealth rates and revenues from public hospitals offer a revolving fund to support the initiative.
“Tanda nyo, nagtataas ng PhilHealth rates so we’re also increasing the PhilHealth rates. Yung revenue ng public hospitals, DOH hospitals, tumataas din kasi lahat myembro eh so lahat babayaran ng PhilHealth yung case rate nya so may kaunting recovery,” he explained.
The zero balance billing program marks a significant step toward accessible healthcare by removing financial barriers in public hospitals. For more news and updates on zero balance billing, visit Filipinokami.com.
