By Brian Campued
The Department of Health (DOH) is studying the possible expansion of the zero balance billing (ZBB) policy to cover pay wards or shared rooms in all DOH-run hospitals, according to Malacañang.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer and Undersecretary Claire Castro said the DOH is set to issue a new memorandum circular directing all DOH hospitals to allocate special areas for direct contributors of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) premium.
“Bilang tugon sa hangarin ni Pangulong [Ferdinand R.] Marcos Jr. na walang Pilipinong mahihirapan sa mga pagamutan, pinag-aaralan na ngayon ng DOH sa pangunguna ni Secretary Ted Herbosa ang paglabas ng department memorandum circular. Mag-uutos ito sa lahat ng DOH hospitals na maging zero balance billing ang mga pay wards para sa mga direct contributors ng PhilHealth,” Castro said.
“Tututukan po natin ito. Nais ng Pangulo ang mas maganda at mas epektibong health care para sa mga Pilipino para sa Bagong Pilipinas,” she added.
Currently, the zero balance billing is applicable only to basic or ward accommodation in DOH hospitals.
Herbosa earlier announced the new policy during a flag ceremony at the DOH office on Monday.
“Nagkaroon ng malakas na paghiling na bigyan natin ng mas magandang prebilehiyo ang mga direct contributors ng PhilHealth, sila yung mga nakakaltasan sa suweldo ng kanilang premium,” the DOH chief said, underscoring the agency’s commitment to making healthcare benefits more tangible for working- and middle-class Filipinos.
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