The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) is urging private hospitals to support its No Balance Billing (NBB) policy, which provides equitable healthcare access for patients without out-of-pocket expenses. Hospital leaders emphasize their commitment to complement government services and ensure that patients receive necessary care, promoting the vision of universal healthcare.
The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) is encouraging private hospitals to support its No Balance Billing (NBB) policy, aimed at ensuring equitable healthcare access for all citizens. Eduardo Dularte, PhilHealth’s chief social insurance officer in Ilocos Norte, highlighted that the NBB policy accommodates patients with both ordinary and serious illnesses.
Out of 13 private hospitals in the region, eight have expressed their intent to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to implement this policy. The NBB allows member-patients to access a comprehensive range of healthcare services—including hospital room, food, medications, medical supplies, laboratory facilities, and doctor fees—without incurring out-of-pocket expenses.
Notable supporters of the initiative include the Karmelli Clinic and Hospital, whose CEO, Dr. Norman Panfilo Rabago, stated their commitment to complement government healthcare offerings by providing necessary services for patients unable to access public facilities. The hospital has dedicated staff, including doctors and nurses, to care for those in a charity ward.
