DOH clarifies zero-balance billing for 87 hospitals

The Department of Health (DOH) clarified on Tuesday that zero-balance billing is only applicable to the DOH's 87 hospitals nationwide.

DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa stated during a post-SONA discussion that the list excludes four Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs).

To avail of zero-balance billing, patients must be admitted to basic accommodation or the ward in a DOH hospital.

Herbosa noted that they had already begun implementing this policy since May 14 before it was announced by the President during his SONA on Monday.

PhilHealth will cover all expenses for government hospitals under this program, while other health funds and agencies will cover procedures not covered by PhilHealth.

The DOH confirmed that patients no longer need guarantee letters and enrollment facilitation is provided if necessary.

Herbosa assured that the DOH has adequate equipment and sufficient funding to support the new billing system.