• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A proposed measure seeking to institutionalize the Zero-Balance Billing Program authored by Deputy Speaker and Bacolod City Lone District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez is gaining traction in the House of Representatives.
Benitez said that House Bill No. 5203, which aims to make healthcare more accessible to Filipinos, is presently under discussion of the House committee on health through its technical working group.
The proposed legislation seeks to strengthen the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) coverage and streamline the delivery of government medical assistance to reduce the financial burden on patients.
Under the measure, qualified patients may benefit from reduced or fully covered hospital bills through an enhanced Zero-Balance Billing Program.
The bill also aims to expand PhilHealth benefits and improve financial protection for patients facing medical expenses.
In addition, the proposal seeks to simplify access to medical assistance by creating a more efficient system for availing government healthcare support. It also aims to strengthen assistance for patients receiving treatment in both public and private hospitals.
In a statement, Benitez said the bill would help ensure that no Filipino is denied medical treatment because of financial hardship.
“Healthcare should be accessible to all Filipinos,” Benitez stressed, emphasizing the need to provide affordable and equitable healthcare services nationwide.
If approved by Congress and signed into law, the measure is expected to further enhance the country’s healthcare system and expand access to essential medical services, particularly for indigent and vulnerable sectors. | GPB
