The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) announced on Saturday plans to enhance the benefits, which include improved room accommodations and cheaper medical bill charges available to middle-income contributors. The initiative comes after Executive Secretary Ralph Recto urged the Department of Health (DOH) to improve the coverage and services for employed and self-employed members who regularly pay premiums.
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Upgraded Accommodations and Added Benefits
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said the government is exploring ways to ensure that the Zero Balance Billing (ZBB) policy in public hospitals is fully experienced by patients.
“Executive Secretary Recto suggested that direct members should receive better accommodations, perhaps basic rooms with air conditioning or a maximum of two patients per room,” Herbosa stated in a radio interview.
He added that further benefit increases could be implemented if hospitals successfully adopt zero-balance billing. “It’s a logical step to encourage LGU (local government unit) and private hospitals to adopt this practice,” he explained.
The program focuses on improving healthcare services specifically for direct contributors, including those employed or self-employed, contrasting with the sponsored program that primarily serves indirect contributors such as indigents and senior citizens.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier announced in his fourth State of the Nation Address that zero balance billing would be applied in all 87 DOH-run hospitals nationwide. Recto emphasized the need for system-wide solutions to ensure that the policy is genuinely felt by Filipinos. He urged PhilHealth to expand its benefit packages, particularly for the middle class, who consistently contribute to the system, so that they can see tangible returns on their payments.
Access For All Members
PhilHealth Spokesperson Dr. Israel Francis Pargas clarified that all members, whether direct or indirect contributors, are entitled to the benefits of PhilHealth.
“The benefits are given to everyone, whether you paid or failed to pay or continuously pay contributions, you will be provided the PhilHealth benefits if you need them. You can still get them even if you did not pay your premium contribution,” he said.
The expansion of benefits for middle-income members strengthens the promise of universal health coverage in the Philippines. By improving access and accommodations, the initiative ensures that employed and self-employed Filipinos can receive care that reflects their contributions, boosting both public confidence in healthcare services and the overall quality of care in the country.
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