‘Zero balance billing’ explained: Do patients really pay nothing?

Healthcare-related expenses remain a major cause of debt and poverty among Filipinos.

- By MERLINA HERNANDO-MALIPOT

As part of the government’s push for universal healthcare, the Department of Health (DOH) implements the “zero balance billing” policy—a program that aims to provide completely free hospitalization for patients admitted under basic accommodation in DOH-run hospitals.

During his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, President Marcos announced that patients receiving basic care in DOH hospitals will now enjoy zero-balance billing—meaning they are no longer required to pay out-of-pocket for eligible medical services.

“Itinuloy na po natin ang zero balance billing. Libre po,” the President said, emphasizing that charges for basic accommodation and medical services at DOH-run hospitals are now fully covered.

“Ibig sabihin, ang serbisyo sa basic accommodation sa ating mga DOH hospital, wala nang babayaran ang pasyente dahil bayad na ang bill ninyo (This means that patients will no longer pay for basic accommodation services in our DOH hospitals—their bills are already covered),” he added.

In addition to existing Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) benefits, the expanded coverage is made possible through the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program—in partnership with other agencies—and through direct allocations to DOH hospitals.

“Uulitin ko, wala nang kailangang bayaran ang pasyente basta sa DOH hospital dahil bayad na po ang bill ninyo (Let me repeat: Patients no longer need to pay in DOH hospitals—their bills are already settled),” he reiterated.

What is ‘zero balance billing’?

“Zero balance billing” means that qualified patients should not pay anything out of pocket when confined in DOH hospitals—as long as they are admitted under basic accommodation.

This may include charges for room and board, doctors’ fees, diagnostic tests, surgery, and medicines which are also part of PhilHealth’s coverage.