ILOILO — Five private hospitals in Western Visayas have signed agreements with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation to implement its no co-payment policy. Eligible members can now access basic or ward accommodation without out-of-pocket expenses, marking a major shift toward zero-cost healthcare in private facilities.
A Milestone for Universal Health Care
Janimhe Jalbuna, head of the PhilHealth Western Visayas Public Affairs Unit, announced the signing on Thursday. The participating facilities are Asia Pacific Medical Center-Iloilo, Healthway QualiMed Hospital-Iloilo, Iloilo Doctors' Hospital, Saint Gabriel Medical Center Inc. in Kalibo, and Semirara Mining and Power Corp. Hospital in Antique.
Jalbuna said the policy guarantees no out-of-pocket expense for members confined in basic or ward accommodation at any PhilHealth-accredited facility. This applies to government, specialty, or private hospitals. The coverage extends to room and board, medicines, professional fees, and laboratory procedures.
What the Policy Covers
Under PhilHealth Circular No. 2020-024, basic or ward accommodation includes a bed in a shared room, regular meals, fan ventilation, and a shared toilet and bath. The policy applies as long as members avail themselves of the minimum standards of care.
The five hospitals committed to allocate 10 percent of their bed capacity for eligible PhilHealth members. Collectively, they have 64 ward-type beds available under the program. Jalbuna noted that other private health facilities expressed interest in adopting the policy during the signing ceremony.
Expanding Beyond No Balance Billing
The no co-payment policy expands on the no balance billing framework introduced under PhilHealth Circular No. 2017-0017. Previously, NBB was limited to indigent, sponsored, domestic worker, senior citizen, and lifetime members, primarily in government facilities.
With the passage of the Universal Health Care Law, the policy evolved into no co-payment. It now covers all PhilHealth members and dependents regardless of membership category. This includes formal-sector employees, regular contributors, and indirect contributors.
Easing Pressure on Public Hospitals
The initiative also addresses congestion at government facilities. Regional hospitals like the Western Visayas Medical Center frequently operate over capacity. Allocating private ward beds to no co-payment patients expands overall hospital capacity in the province.
Shorter wait times and reduced crowding benefit all patients. Those who previously endured long queues at public hospitals now have viable alternatives in private institutions. The policy ensures that financial constraints do not prevent access to quality care.
Equal Access to Advanced Care
Local residents can now access modern diagnostic technology and specialist care in private hospitals without the risk of medical debt. This represents a significant improvement over previous arrangements, where private care was out of reach for many.
The policy promotes health equity by removing cost barriers. Patients can seek treatment earlier, leading to better outcomes and reduced complications. The initiative reflects the government's commitment to making healthcare accessible to every Filipino.
