"No Balance Billing" Policy, a lifeline for vulnerable Quezonians

By Nimfa L. Estrellado Public hospitals in Quezon, like the Quezon Medical Center in Lucena City, are now implementing the "No Balance ...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

Public hospitals in Quezon, like the Quezon Medical Center in Lucena City, are now implementing the "No Balance Billing" policy, making healthcare accessible to all. (QMC)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon – For Quezonians, the cost of healthcare just went down to zero, a significant step marking the provincial government of Quezon's intensified efforts to ensure equitable healthcare access for its most vulnerable citizens through the rigorous enforcement of its 'No Balance Billing and No Out of Pocket Expense' policy in public hospitals.

This initiative, championed by Governor Angelina Tan, is proving to be a game-changer for residents who previously faced daunting financial barriers to medical care. Her consistent advocacy for accessible medical services underscores her administration's commitment to prioritizing the well-being of Quezonians.



The core of the policy is simple yet impactful: patients admitted to basic accommodations or ward sections of public hospitals are not required to pay any fees. This eliminates the financial burden of medical expenses, a relief particularly felt by senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, and beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Governor Tan emphasized that the provincial government's commitment extends beyond mere facility upgrades. "Beyond upgrading hospital facilities and modernizing equipment, we are committed to fully enforcing the no balance billing and no out of pocket expense policies across public hospitals in Quezon, so that every Quezonian in need of medical care can focus on recovery rather than worry about expenses," Tan said.






This provincial directive aligns seamlessly with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) push for equitable healthcare access through the Universal Health Care Law, which encourages hospitals to fully implement no balance billing for eligible members. The ultimate goal of this collaboration is to ensure that all Filipinos, regardless of their socio-economic status, are protected against financial hardship when seeking essential medical care.

Governor Tan highlighted that the provincial government's efforts are comprehensive, extending to the upgrading of equipment and improvement of facilities across Quezon’s public hospitals under the Quezon Provincial Health Network. This holistic approach aims to ensure not only accessible but also quality healthcare services for all Quezonians.

Now serving her second term, she reaffirmed her commitment to the province’s health programs under her HEALING Quezon governance agenda. She stressed that no Quezonian should be left behind due to financial constraints when accessing essential healthcare services.

The administration's initiatives are already yielding tangible results, with a noticeable increase in citizens actively seeking medical care. "More people are now open to getting checkups, undergoing treatment, and trusting public hospitals for surgical procedures. These are clear signs that public trust in our healthcare system is being restored," Tan concluded.

The intensified enforcement of the "No Balance Billing" policy in Quezon is more than just a financial relief; it's a critical step towards building a more inclusive and trustworthy public healthcare system, ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to prioritize their health and well-being.