Recto seeks expansion of ‘zero billing’ policy to middle-class patients

National

THE Marcos administration is moving to shield middle-class Filipinos from medical induced bankruptcy by expanding the Zero Balance Billing (ZBB) policy across state run hospitals.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto announced on Sunday, Jan. 25, that the government is prioritizing system-wide solutions to ensure that taxpayers, particularly those in the middle-income bracket, benefit from the same free healthcare services previously reserved for the nation’s poorest sectors.

An Inquirer.net report stated that in a high-level meeting with Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa and PhilHealth chief Edwin Mercado, Recto emphasized that the middle class, who consistently contribute to the nation’s coffers through taxes and PhilHealth premiums, must finally see tangible returns on their contributions.

Recto noted that many middle-class families, despite having steady incomes, remain just one major hospitalization away from financial ruin.

The ZBB program differs from previous healthcare schemes by removing out of pocket expenses for patients regardless of their economic status. Under this policy, any patient admitted to the basic ward of the 87 DOH operated hospitals or specialty centers like the Philippine Heart Center and PGH will have their entire bill covered.

The process involves using the patient's PhilHealth benefit package first, with any remaining balance charged directly to the hospital’s maintenance and operating budget. However, this "zero bill" guarantee is strictly limited to ward accommodations; patients who choose to transfer to private rooms will still be required to pay the standard co-payment and room rates.

To support this expansion, the 2026 General Appropriations Act has earmarked significant funding, including ₱1 billion each for major specialty centers such as the Lung Center and the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, as well as ₱800 million for the UP Philippine General Hospital. Additionally, ₱1 billion has been set aside to pilot the ZBB program in select local government hospitals. Recent data from the Department of Health highlights the program's existing impact, showing that over 1.3 million patients were treated for free in 2025, with the government covering nearly ₱75 billion in hospital bills in the latter half of the year alone.(Georgia Olivar, USJ-R Comm Intern)