The Department of Health (DOH) said it will release new guidelines for the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program in February.
The updated rules, covering a budget of P51.65 billion, aim to prohibit the use of guarantee letters from politicians.
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said the expanded funding will widen coverage to ambulatory care, ophthalmology, dental services, and full professional fees for doctors.
He added that the increase will also benefit financially incapacitated patients confined in private clinics and hospitals, particularly in areas without DOH-run facilities.
The DOH also plans to expand the Zero Balance Billing program, though allocations will be limited, prioritizing local government hospitals that are improving healthcare facilities.
