Despite President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s SONA claim that Filipinos can now enjoy “zero-balance billing” in public hospitals, the Department of Health (DOH) clarified that only 87 government-run hospitals currently offer the policy.
In a GMA News report on Sunday, July 28, the DOH said the program covers only hospitals directly managed by the department and does not include government specialty hospitals like the Philippine Heart Center, Lung Center of the Philippines, and National Kidney and Transplant Institute, among others.
The clarification comes after Marcos highlighted the program in his fourth State of the Nation Address, claiming that “wala nang babayaran ang pasyente” for those admitted under basic accommodation in DOH facilities.
“Itinuloy na po natin ang zero-balance billing. Libre po ang mga pasyente sa ating mga DOH hospitals,” the President said.
But the health department said the program — launched last May 14 — is currently limited in scope.
What zero-balance billing actually covers
Under the policy, patients admitted under basic or ward accommodation in DOH-run hospitals will not be charged for room fees, medicines, diagnostics, and doctors’ fees. The PhilHealth Konsulta Package shoulders the full cost of these services, while other government agencies like PCSO and PAGCOR may help cover costs for medicines not included in PhilHealth’s drug formulary.
To qualify, patients must:
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Opt for basic or ward accommodation
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Present a PhilHealth ID and a valid government-issued ID
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Sign a commitment to avail only the basic services during confinement
The health department emphasized that private or upgraded accommodations are not covered and patients requesting such will be charged the difference.
Not yet universal
While the zero-balance billing program is being lauded as a significant reform in public healthcare, its current implementation is far from universal. Government hospitals operating under GOCCs (Government-Owned or -Controlled Corporations) are not yet part of the rollout.
That means major specialty centers in Metro Manila — where some of the most complex and costly medical cases are treated — remain out of reach for Filipinos hoping for zero-balance hospitalization.
Healthcare advocates say this reveals a gap between policy announcements and practical implementation.
Why it matters
The policy could be a game-changer for millions of poor Filipinos who often postpone or forgo treatment due to hospital costs. However, limiting the rollout to just 87 DOH facilities — many of which are outside urban centers — raises questions about access, especially for those in densely populated cities.
The DOH said it is working toward expanding the program’s reach but did not provide a timeline.
For now, Filipinos are advised to check with their local DOH-run hospital if it is part of the zero-balance billing program — and to manage expectations about what “libre” really means.
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