Getting hospitalized in the Philippines often comes with a sinking feeling—not just from illness but from the bill waiting at discharge. But now, you can walk out of certain hospitals without paying a single peso, thanks to the Department of Health’s Zero Balance Billing (ZBB) policy, now fully in effect.
Under this program, patients admitted to basic or ward accommodations in DOH-run hospitals won’t have to pay upon discharge. Covered costs include:
- Hospital room and board
- Medicines and medical supplies
- Laboratory tests and diagnostics
- Professional fees of attending doctors
“Itinuloy na po natin ang zero balance billing. Libre po,” President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said in his latest State of the Nation Address. “Ang serbisyo sa basic accommodation sa ating mga DOH na ospital wala nang babayaran ang pasyente dahil bayad na ang bill ninyo.”
What is Zero Balance Billing?
Zero Balance Billing, also called No Balance Billing, means that eligible patients in DOH hospitals will have their hospital bills fully covered by PhilHealth and government funds—no out-of-pocket payments required.
It applies to all Filipinos admitted in basic or ward accommodations of the 87 DOH-managed hospitals nationwide. It does not apply to:
- Private or deluxe room admissions
- Government-owned and controlled specialty hospitals (Philippine Heart Center, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Lung Center of the Philippines, Philippine Children’s Medical Center)
Who Can Avail and How?
Eligibility:
- All PhilHealth members, regardless of income or contribution status
- Even non-members can be assisted with on-the-spot PhilHealth registration during admission
Steps to Avail:
- Clearly tell hospital staff you want basic or ward accommodation under Zero Balance Billing.
- Present your PhilHealth ID and a valid government-issued ID.
- Avoid requesting elective or non-medically necessary services, as these will not be covered.
Important:
- Staying in a private room will require out-of-pocket payments.
- Implementation may vary—some patients may still need to buy certain medicines due to stock shortages.
List of DOH Hospitals Covered
Here are examples of hospitals offering Zero Balance Billing:
Metro Manila:
- Amang Rodriguez Medical Center
- East Avenue Medical Center
- Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital
- Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center
- National Center for Mental Health
- Philippine Orthopedic Center
- San Lazaro Hospital
- Tondo Medical Center
Luzon:
- Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center
- Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center
- Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center
- Batangas Medical Center
Visayas:
- Western Visayas Medical Center
- Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center
- Eastern Visayas Medical Center
- Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital
Mindanao:
- Zamboanga City Medical Center
- Northern Mindanao Medical Center
- Southern Philippines Medical Center
- Cotabato Regional and Medical Center
Limitations to Keep in Mind
- Coverage is valid only until your doctor advises discharge. Staying longer may incur costs.
- GOCC specialty hospitals are excluded for now.
- While the policy intends to make hospitalization free, gaps in supply and hospital communication may still result in some personal expenses.
Why This Matters
This policy is a step forward in the government’s Universal Health Care commitment—ensuring that Filipinos can access quality hospital care without being pushed into debt. It aims to remove financial barriers, especially for low-income families, and make public healthcare truly accessible.
What Filipinos Say About Zero Balance Billing
On social media, many praised the move as a relief for ordinary Filipinos struggling with hospital expenses. Others welcomed it but urged the government to address medicine shortages and ensure consistent implementation in all regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to be a PhilHealth member?
Yes, but hospitals can assist with instant PhilHealth registration if you are not yet a member. - Is this available in private hospitals?
No, only in DOH-run hospitals with basic or ward accommodations. - Will I ever have to pay anything?
If you upgrade to a private room, request elective procedures, or if the hospital runs out of certain medicines, you may need to shoulder those costs.
Video: Tatlong DOH hospitals sa bicol nagpapatupad na ng zero balance billing
The Department of Health (DOH) is now implementing a zero balance billing program across three of its hospitals in the Bicol region. This program is a measure that helps underprivileged patients receive medical services without having to worry about hospital bills. It aims to provide greater access to quality healthcare for those who need it most. The DOH’s commitment to this program reflects its ongoing dedication to public health and welfare. This endeavor is a welcome development for many Bicolanos seeking medical assistance.
Conclusion
The Zero Balance Billing policy marks a significant milestone in making healthcare more affordable and accessible for Filipinos. By removing the burden of hospital bills in DOH-run facilities for patients in basic or ward accommodations, it offers peace of mind during one of life’s most stressful moments—getting sick. While there are still areas for improvement, such as ensuring medicine availability and consistent implementation, this initiative is a step toward a future where no Filipino has to choose between getting well and going into debt. If you or a loved one ever need hospital care, knowing your rights and the steps to avail of this benefit can make all the difference.