BALANGA CITY, Bataan — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday inspected the Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center (Bataan GHMC) to check its implementation of the zero-balance billing policy, which aims to ensure patients receive full financial support from the government.
Marcos said the hospital’s system guarantees hassle-free healthcare, highlighting its new feature where patients no longer have to line up at the cashier before discharge. Instead, billing details reflecting zero charges are delivered directly to them.
“Zero billing pa rin, pero imbes na pipila sa kahera ang pasyente bago ma-discharge, ‘pag malapit na ma-discharge ‘yung pasyente, eh hinahatid sa kanila ‘yung kanilang zero billing. Another added convenience which I think we should adopt all around the country,” Marcos said during his visit.
The President also toured the cashier and billing section before proceeding to the fourth-floor ward where he spoke with patients.
The zero-balance billing initiative, in line with Republic Act No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act and Marcos’ directive for equitable healthcare, ensures that eligible patients are discharged without out-of-pocket expenses for Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth)-covered services.
The policy covers indigent and sponsored members, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) admitted to Department of Health (DOH) hospital wards. Coverage includes hospitalization, diagnostic services, and medicines within PhilHealth’s case rates.
During his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, Marcos announced the nationwide rollout of zero-balance billing in DOH hospitals to reduce the financial strain on patients.
To support the program, Bataan GHMC has established an enhanced Patient Assist and Roving Personnel team that helps admitted patients process and submit PhilHealth requirements.
“This program embodies President Marcos’ vision of a health system that is inclusive, compassionate, and truly for the people,” said Dr. Glory Baltazar, Bataan GHMC Medical Center Chief II.
With reports from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)
