Marcos aims to reduce medical expenses, target out-of-pocket payments

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. aims to reduce medical expenses and out-of-pocket costs for Filipino patients.

During a speech at a patient transport vehicle distribution event on Wednesday, Marcos highlighted the government's efforts to improve PhilHealth services and overhaul the healthcare system.

Marcos stated that contributions from patients will be gradually reduced as the economy improves, with an aspiration for a future where patients only pay minimal administrative fees.

The President noted that if the country's economy strengthens, out-of-pocket payments could eventually be eliminated entirely.

To achieve these goals, Marcos has been meeting with the Department of Health (DOH) and Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to address budget issues and improve healthcare services.

According to a study by the Unilab Center for Health Policy, private out-of-pocket payments are currently the largest component of healthcare spending in the country, accounting for 45 percent of total health expenditure in 2022.

The government plans to open more specialty centers and Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service (Bucas) centers to serve the poorest Filipinos, with PhilHealth aiming to decrease out-of-pocket expenses from 45 percent to '25 to 30 percent'.