The Department of Health (DOH) bared that some local government unit (LGU) hospitals could be covered by zero balance billing by 2026, after the Senate included a P1 billion budget for the program’s expansion during the Bicameral Conference Committee (bicam) meeting.
“We’re thankful to the Senate for including the Zero Balance Billing expansion for local government unit hospitals. In last night’s discussion, it seems there will be a P1 billion allocation,” DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo told Super Radyo dzBB on Sunday.
Domingo explained that with the proposed budget, the DOH can tap Level 3 LGU hospitals.
“The bicam is not done yet. We are hoping that the allocation will increase, but if not, we can cover Level 3 hospitals in around six to eight provinces for zero balance billing,” he said.
In selecting hospitals, Domingo said it is important that LGUs have organized accounting systems and sound public management.
“Candidate LGUs include Sarangani, Laguna, Aklan, and Benguet, while Pampanga, Bataan, and Quezon are also being considered,” he said.
“Ideally, P29 billion would have been allocated to that program, but we’re also okay with around P1 billion so it can be pilot-tested by 2026,” Domingo added.
Malacañang earlier said more than 1.078 million Filipinos have benefited from the government’s zero-balance billing policy in four months.
To avail of zero-balance billing, patients must be admitted to basic accommodation or ward facilities for PhilHealth to cover 100 percent of the hospital bill.
