Metro Manila, Philippines – Health Secretary Ted Herbosa on Monday, Feb. 9, announced that the government health insurer is providing free hospital admission to its members in basic and ward accommodation under the zero-balance billing (ZBB) policy.
Herbosa said allied hospitals, through a department memorandum circular, must allocate a “special area” for direct contributors who wish for inclusion in the ZBB.
“Pero talagang bibigyan namin kayo ng additional benefits dahil kayo po ay nag co-contribute sa pondo ng PhilHealth,” Herbosa assured the public.
[Translation: But we will really give you additional benefits because you contribute to PhilHealth’s fund.]
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued a directive that allows ZBB coverage for poor patients and middle-class contributors.
