DOH warns vs. fixers, scammers targeting zero-balance billing

MANILA, August 22 ------ The Department of Health (DOH) has cautioned the public against scammers and individuals posing as fixers taking advantage of the Zero-Balance Billing (ZBB) program.

In a public advisory, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa emphasized that the ZBB program does not involve fixers or intermediaries. He advised patients and their families to coordinate directly with the billing section of DOH hospitals to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes. "The DOH does not send text messages about the implementation of the program. There are no fixers involved in Zero-Balance Billing," he said.

More than 2,000 beneficiaries were able to avail of the ZBB at the East Avenue Medical Center following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s announcement during his State of the Nation Address. The initiative aims to ensure that eligible patients are discharged from DOH hospitals without having to pay out-of-pocket expenses for covered services.

The DOH reiterated that patient information and billing details are handled with full consent from patients, their guardians, and hospital authorities. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals or groups claiming to offer assistance with the program.

Source: pna.gov.ph