On on February 10, Tuesday, Malacañang confirmed that the Department of Health is studying a proposal to extend zero balance billing to pay wards or shared rooms in DOH-run hospitals for direct contributors of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.
The move follows a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure wider access to quality healthcare and reduce out-of-pocket hospital costs for working Filipinos, according to Palace officials.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a briefing that the DOH is currently reviewing the possible issuance of a Department Memorandum Circular that would require all DOH hospitals nationwide to apply zero balance billing to pay wards for PhilHealth direct contributors.
“Bilang tugon sa hangarin ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. na walang Pilipinong mahihirapan sa mga pagamutan, pinag-aaralan ngayon ng DOH ang paglabas ng Department Memorandum Circular,” Castro said. She added that the circular would instruct DOH hospitals to ensure that medical bills for pay wards are fully covered for eligible contributors.
At present, zero balance billing in DOH hospitals applies only to patients admitted under basic or ward accommodations. Patients who choose pay wards or shared rooms typically shoulder additional charges that are not fully covered by PhilHealth benefits. The proposal under study would remove this cost difference for direct contributors, allowing them to access improved accommodations without extra payment.
Castro noted that the review is being led by Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, and is still in the evaluation stage. No specific timeline has been announced for the release of the memorandum or for the possible implementation of the expanded coverage.
Direct contributors to PhilHealth include employed workers, self-employed individuals, and professionals who pay monthly premiums on their own. The proposed policy aims to recognize their regular contributions by easing hospital expenses, especially during serious illness or extended confinement.
For now, officials emphasized that the policy is still under study and no changes are yet in effect. Patients admitted to DOH hospitals are advised to continue following existing PhilHealth coverage rules.