MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) plans to require all DOH-run hospitals to implement zero-balance billing in pay wards for PhilHealth direct contributors, a move aimed at expanding access to government health benefits to middle-class earners.
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said the policy will be enforced through a Department Memorandum Circular that will allow hospitals to allocate special areas within their pay wards for PhilHealth members who regularly pay monthly contributions.
“We can now order hospitals to set aside and allocate special areas for direct contributors — our working class or middle class — who want to avail of zero-balance billing in our hospitals,” Herbosa said on Monday.
He explained that direct contributors would have separate accommodations. That is to determine whether they could be given better hospital accommodations without incurring additional charges.
“So we will separate you to see if we can provide you with better accommodation,” Herbosa added.
Pay wards are distinct from basic hospital accommodations. The existing zero-balance billing policy for indigent and sponsored PhilHealth members already covers public wards.
The planned expansion of zero-balance billing aims to make government health services more inclusive. It will ensure that middle-class PhilHealth contributors also benefit from hospital care without out-of-pocket expenses.
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