Return of P60-B PhilHealth funds could help with zero-balance billing —Usec. Castro

The return of P60 billion in excess funds to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) could help in the implementation of zero-balance billing in Department of Health (DOH) hospitals, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said Sunday.

“Nakita talaga ng Pangulo ang importansiya ng pondo lalo't mayroon tayong zero-balance billing,” Castro told Super Radyo dzBB in an interview.

(President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. really saw the importance of the funds, especially since we have zero-balance billing.)

“'Yun talaga ang gusto ng Pangulo, matulungan ang lahat ng ating kababayan sa pangkalusugan na isyu,” she added.

(That's what the President really wants — to help our countrymen with health-related issues.)

The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered the government to return the P60 billion excess funds transferred to PhilHealth through the 2026 General Appropriations Act, which were earlier set to be transferred to the National Treasury.

PhilHealth welcomed the SC decision, saying the ruling will help ensure the sustainability of its Universal Health Care program and improve its benefits and services

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said the restoration of P60 billion funds came after Marcos' clear directive issued last September to return the withheld funding to PhilHealth.

To avail of the zero-balance billing, patients must be admitted to the basic accommodation or ward at DOH hospitals for PhilHealth to foot 100% of the bill.

PhilHealth had said that they do not ask for any additional documentation from patients in DOH hospitals when availing of the zero balance billing. —KG, GMA Integrated News