President Marcos Highlights Zero Balance Billing Program Success
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently affirmed the early success of the zero balance billing program implemented in Department of Health (DOH) hospitals nationwide. Less than a month after its official launch, the program aims to eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for patients admitted to basic wards in government hospitals.
During an inspection at East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) in Quezon City, the President, accompanied by Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, checked the program’s implementation and progress firsthand. “I’m happy to be able to report that the zero billing program is proceeding well,” Marcos stated. He added that an ongoing information campaign for both hospital staff and patients is key to the program’s success.
Recognizing the Dedication of Health Workers
Marcos expressed deep gratitude to healthcare professionals, calling them valiant and dedicated. “These are our kababayan who risked their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. And until now, we are witnessing the heroism of our health workers,” he said. The President shared that he personally benefited from their care, having survived three bouts of COVID-19 since 2020.
“If not for your service, I may not be here. COVID-19 might have got me,” Marcos remarked, emphasizing the ongoing commitment of Filipino health workers even after the pandemic’s peak. Officials noted that this dedication showcases the Filipino healthcare sector’s heart and resilience.
Healthcare Workers Urge for More Support
Despite the program’s benefits, health workers have voiced concerns that words of appreciation alone are insufficient. The Alliance of Health Workers (AHW) has called for a salary increase, proposing a P33,000 entry-level pay and P50,000 base salary for nurses and allied health professionals.
They also demand the end of contractualization in government hospitals, urging the regularization of contractual staff to strengthen hospital capacity. AHW warned that the zero balance billing program could strain DOH hospitals without additional staffing and budget support, potentially compromising service quality.
Furthermore, the group pressed for the release of the long-overdue health emergency allowance (HEA), compensation for healthcare workers who served during the pandemic.
Health Emergency Allowance Still Unpaid for Many
The government authorized benefits for healthcare workers through Republic Act No. 11712, the Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances (PHEBA) for Health Care Workers Act, enacted in April 2022. However, many workers, especially in private and local government hospitals, remain unpaid for their pandemic service three years later.
Due to ongoing concerns about fund disbursement, the DOH and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) requested a special audit from the Commission on Audit (COA) in March 2024 to investigate possible irregularities.
By December 2024, over P121 billion had been allocated for PHEBA. For 2026, the DBM requested an additional P27.453 billion under DOH’s budget, but this was categorized as unprogrammed appropriations, meaning funds will be released only when certain conditions are met.
Previously, in 2025, the PHEBA budget was reduced by Congress and eventually vetoed by the President, highlighting ongoing funding challenges.
Funding and Implementation Details of the Zero Balance Billing
The zero balance billing program, also known as “Bayad na Bill Mo” (BBM), was announced during Marcos’ fourth State of the Nation Address in July 2025. It promises that all patients admitted to basic wards in the 78 DOH-operated hospitals will no longer pay out-of-pocket expenses.
Plans are underway to extend the program to four specialty hospitals and five soon-to-be-operational DOH hospitals. However, patients opting for private rooms will not qualify for zero balance billing.
Interestingly, the DOH began implementing the program on May 14, 2025, two months before the President’s public announcement. Marcos previously inspected the Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC) in Tacloban City, Leyte, before visiting EAMC to monitor progress.
Latest data reveal that at least 12,000 patients at EVMC and 2,400 at EAMC have fully benefited from government-paid medical bills. Herbosa emphasized that the program requires no additional documentation or interviews, covering all costs including medicines and professional fees.
Ensuring Program Sustainability and Funding
Health officials assured the public that funding is sufficient to maintain the program. The President increased DOH’s maintenance and operating expenses by 15 percent to support all DOH hospitals. Hospital fees under zero balance billing are covered by PhilHealth benefit packages.
Remaining balances are paid through DOH’s Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, along with allocations to DOH hospitals.
Community members noted that these mechanisms aim to sustain the zero balance billing program while ensuring patients receive quality care without financial burden.
For more news and updates on zero balance billing program, visit Filipinokami.com.
