The Department of Health said at least 1.6 million patients have so far benefited from the Marcos administration’s Zero Balance Billing program, citing the latest data on hospital expenses absorbed by the government.
According to the DOH, the government shouldered PHP95 billion in hospital bills from July 2025 to January 2026 under the initiative. The program covers medical services, medicines, and the professional fees of doctors for patients admitted to DOH hospitals.
In a statement, the DOH said it would continue pushing for the program’s expansion to include shared pay wards for PhilHealth direct contributors, such as middle class employees. “Sa pagpapalakas ng Zero Balance Billing, iniutos din ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos Jr. na kailangang mas maramdaman pa ng middle-class workers ang benepisyo ng gobyerno,” it said.
The agency added, “Sa kasalukuyan, ang mga shared pay ward ay hindi pa kasama sa Zero Balance Billing.”
Beyond DOH facilities, the department is preparing to implement the initiative in select local government unit hospitals to widen coverage.
Under the Zero Balance Billing policy, patients in DOH hospitals no longer have to pay for medical services, medicines, and professional fees, allowing qualified beneficiaries to leave the hospital without any remaining balance.
