PhilHealth Expands NBB Coverage to Senior Citizens

PhilHealth provides No Balance Billing (NBB) Policy to all senior citizens who are residents of the Philippines, aged 60 years old and above including their qualified dependents once admitted in government facilities on a ward type of accommodation or admitted in a lying-in or dialysis facilities by virtue of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.

NBB Policy means no other fees or expenses shall be charged or paid for by the senior citizens including indigents, sponsored members, domestic workers or kasambahays and Lifetime members with their qualified dependents as well.

In case a ward type accommodation is not available, it is the health care provider’s responsibility to make the next higher accommodation available for the patient at no added cost. This policy applies for their stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), isolation room, recovery room and other special accommodation.

However, if the member or his dependent is initially admitted in a ward type accommodation and have requested for a transfer to a private room, NBB will not apply.

They are likewise entitled to preferential access to their social funds or other sources for financing such as the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes (PCSO) and Medical Assistance Program (MAP) and should not buy their own drugs and supplies or pay diagnostic procedures or replace those consumed identified items including blood products.

They are not also requested to render services or donate goods as payment for excess charges.

Moreover, they are not required to pay for prescription fee, S2 form, processing for PhilHealth claims or collect donation from other PhilHealth members.

Health care institutions are mandated to deliver utmost quality of care and provide complete medical and non-medical care, drugs, supplies, diagnostics and other medically necessary services and must not require the beneficiaries to sign any document that waives their NBB privilege and benefits. (hanah g. naanep, PRO III)

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