DOH Reports 1.6 Million Patients Benefit from Zero Balance Billing Program
The Department of Health (DOH) announced on Saturday that the Marcos administration's Zero Balance Billing program has provided significant relief to patients across the nation. According to the latest data, at least 1.6 million individuals have benefited from this initiative, which has covered hospital bills totaling PHP95 billion from July 2025 to January 2026.
Expansion Plans to Include Middle-Class Workers
In a statement released over the weekend, the DOH emphasized its commitment to expanding the program's reach. The agency is actively working to include shared pay wards for PhilHealth direct contributors, such as middle-class employees, who currently do not have access to these benefits. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed that the program be strengthened to ensure that middle-class workers can also feel the government's support, highlighting the need for broader inclusivity in healthcare services.
Current Coverage and Future Implementation
Under the Zero Balance Billing program, patients in DOH hospitals are exempt from paying for medical services, medications, and doctors' professional fees, effectively eliminating out-of-pocket expenses. However, shared pay wards remain excluded from this coverage at present, a gap the DOH aims to address through upcoming expansions. Beyond DOH facilities, the agency is preparing to roll out the initiative in select local government unit hospitals, further extending its impact to more communities.
The program's success in shouldering billions in medical costs underscores its role in alleviating financial burdens for patients, with ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility and support for all Filipinos.
