Zero Balance Billing to Cover LGU Hospitals by 2026, Says DOH

The Department of Health (DOH) announced that the government’s zero balance billing policy may be expanded to include selected local government unit (LGU) hospitals by 2026.

According to the DOH, the expansion became possible after the Senate included a ₱1 billion allocation for the program during the recent Bicameral Conference Committee meeting. The additional funding is intended to support the rollout of zero balance billing in LGU-run hospitals across the country.

DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo expressed gratitude to the Senate for pushing the initiative forward.

“Nagpapasalamat kami sa Senate kasi sila ang nagpasok ng Zero Balance Billing Expansion to Local Government Unit hospitals. Sa diskusyon kagabi, mukhang magkakaroon ng P1 billion,” Domingo said.

With the proposed budget, the DOH may begin tapping Level 3 LGU hospitals for inclusion in the program. Domingo also said the department hopes the allocation will still be increased.

He identified Sarangani, Laguna, Aklan, and Benguet as among the possible LGUs to be covered, while Pampanga, Bataan, and Quezon are also being considered.

DOH data show that more than 1,078,000 Filipinos have already benefited from the zero balance billing policy in just seven months.

Under the program, patients must be admitted to basic accommodation or ward facilities for PhilHealth to fully cover 100 percent of their hospital bills, ensuring no out-of-pocket expenses for qualified beneficiaries.