In the Philippines, healthcare costs can be overwhelming, especially for poor and vulnerable families. That’s why PhilHealth introduced a policy called No Balance Billing (NBB) — but what does it really mean, and who stands to benefit the most?
What is “No Balance Billing”?
No Balance Billing means that eligible patients should not pay anything out of pocket for covered medical services when confined in government hospitals. Simply put, “Walang dagdag bayad” — the total cost of the patient’s hospital care is covered by PhilHealth, and the hospital should not charge extra fees.
Who Can Avail of This Policy?
NBB is designed to protect the most financially vulnerable Filipinos, such as:
- Indigents (poor families identified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development)
- Senior Citizens enrolled in PhilHealth
- Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)
- Sponsored members (those whose PhilHealth premiums are paid by local government units or other sponsors)
They can avail of NBB in government hospitals and PhilHealth-accredited ward-type facilities.
How Does it Work?
If you are eligible and confined in a government hospital, PhilHealth will cover the full cost of your treatment, including:
- Room and board
- Drugs and medicines
- Laboratory exams
- Operating room and professional fees
Hospitals are not allowed to collect additional payments — no surprise bills when it’s time to go home.
Why is This Good News?
The NBB policy is a lifesaver for low-income families. Hospitalization can easily wipe out a family’s savings or push them into debt. By ensuring free access to basic health services, the policy aims to:
- Reduce financial hardship
- Encourage early and appropriate medical care
- Promote health equity, especially in rural and underserved areas
This aligns with the government’s goal of Universal Health Care — where every Filipino has access to needed healthcare without financial ruin.
But What About Private Hospitals?
Here’s where things get more complicated.
While NBB is implemented mainly in public hospitals, there’s increasing pressure for private hospitals to offer similar support. However, many private hospitals rely heavily on patient payments to keep their facilities running — especially for equipment upgrades, medicine procurement, and staff salaries.
BayanihanHealth.com 