The Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) is a flagship program of the Department of Health (DOH) that provides free or subsidized medical assistance to Filipinos who are unable to afford necessary healthcare services. Originally consolidated from various government medical assistance efforts—including the Medical Assistance Program (MAP), the Malasakit Program, and other national health support systems—MAIFIP was officially streamlined and strengthened under Republic Act No. 11975 (General Appropriations Act of 2024), to ensure more efficient and widespread delivery of medical aid. Its primary goal is to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for the poor and vulnerable sectors by covering costs such as hospital bills, laboratory tests, medicines, diagnostic procedures, and even professional fees, especially when PhilHealth or other assistance isn’t enough. This program is designed to support the government’s goal of providing every Filipino with access to quality healthcare regardless of financial status and protect their right to health and well-being.
Not only does it empower patients and families to access life-saving medical services without falling into debt, but it also helps the public hold institutions accountable for the proper delivery of the public services they rightfully deserve. This guide outlines the application process, eligibility criteria, required documents, and the scope of services covered under the MAIFIP program.
Program Overview
The DOH MAIFIP Program, formerly known as MAIP, is a healthcare program primarily designed to help underprivileged Filipinos access quality medical services by offering financial assistance or cash aid for both in-patient and out-patient. It is managed by the Malasakit Program Office (MPO) and was designed to cover various medical needs including hospitalization, diagnostic services, laboratory tests, medicines, and professional fees not covered by PhilHealth or other financing sources.
What Services Are Covered?
The MAIFIP program covers a wide array of services and medical expenses, provided they are prescribed by a physician:
- FDA-approved medicines and drugs.
- Diagnostic procedures including laboratory, imaging, and radiological exams.
- Blood products and blood screening.
- Surgical, obstetric, dental procedures, and use of medical devices or implants.
- Mental health and psychosocial services.
- Post-hospital care and rehabilitation.
- All hospital bills including room and board.
- Professional fees, with a cap of 50% of the approved financial assistance.
Benefits
Here’s a list of other benefits that applicants can receive under the program:
- Available in all DOH-retained hospitals nationwide: Accessible in regional and specialty hospitals under DOH, ensuring widespread reach.
- Aligned with Malasakit Center services: Fast-tracked processing when applying through Malasakit Centers located in government hospitals.
- No need for hospital deposit: Patients under MAIFIP are protected from being denied admission due to lack of funds.
- Supports both inpatient and outpatient needs: Not limited to confinement; also assists with non-admission-related medical expenses.
- Priority for indigent, low-income, and vulnerable sectors: Targets patients listed in the DSWD Listahanan, PhilHealth’s Sponsored Program, or certified indigent by their LGU/barangay.
- Bridges gaps not covered by PhilHealth: Complements PhilHealth benefits for full financial protection.
- Reduces catastrophic health spending: Helps prevent families from falling into poverty due to high medical expenses.
- Simple documentary requirements: Accessible even to walk-in applicants with basic certifications and valid IDs.
Who Can Apply?
Patients who are indigent or financially incapable, as assessed by a Medical Social Worker (MSW), are eligible for assistance. This includes:
- In-patients and out-patients requiring further medical intervention beyond PhilHealth coverage.
- Individuals in need of emergency treatment, surgery, medicines, diagnostics, mental health support, and post-hospitalization services.
- Beneficiaries with certification of indigency such as Barangay Indigency Certificates or 4Ps IDs.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the MAIFIP program, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Indigent Status: Individuals classified as indigent or financially incapacitated.
- Medical Necessity: Patients requiring medical services not fully covered by PhilHealth or other financing sources.
- Assessment: Evaluation and certification by a Medical Social Worker (MSW) or Registered Social Worker
Where Can You Apply?
Eligible patients can apply at any participating health facility, which includes:
- DOH and LGU hospitals
- Philippine National Police (PNP) and Department of National Defense (DND) hospitals
- State Universities and Colleges (SUC) hospitals
- Department of Justice (DOJ) infirmaries
- Private hospitals accredited under MAIFIP
- Centers for Health Development (CHDs) and the Ministry of Health in BARMM
Requirements
Required documents differ for in-patient, out-patient, and those availing services from primary care facilities or clinical laboratories:
For In-Patients:
- Statement of Account (SOA) or hospital bill
- Valid ID of patient or representative
For Out-Patients:
- Prescription, diagnostic or treatment request
- Valid ID of patient or representative
- PhilHealth certification on sessions availed (if applicable)
For Primary Care Facilities and Clinical Labs:
- Prescription or diagnostic/treatment protocol
- PhilHealth certification (if applicable)
- Valid ID
- Barangay Certificate of Indigency, 4Ps ID, or Social Case Summary from MSW
Procedures
To apply for this program, simply follow these steps:
Step 1. Proceed to the Medical Social Services (MSS) Office
Patients or their authorized representative should visit the Medical Social Services section or assigned coordinator in the hospital.
Step 2. Prepare and Submit Required Documents
Make sure to prepare the required documents in full and to make duplicate copies.
Step 3. Undergo Social Assessment
The MSW will conduct an eligibility assessment using DOH’s standard tool. They evaluate the documents and determine the type and extent of financial assistance applicable.
Step 4. Processing and Approval
Upon approval, the MSW will process the medical assistance based on the prescribed treatment plan. For laboratory and outpatient services, the process is similar.
Step 5. Provision of Medical Services
The hospital will then provide the necessary treatment or medication. All services and items rendered must be documented.
Partner Health Facilities
The MAIFIP program is implemented across various health facilities, including:
- DOH Central and Regional Offices.
- Ministry of Health-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOH-BARMM).
- DOH Hospitals, including Special and Specialty Hospitals.
- DOH Drug Abuse and Treatment Rehabilitation Centers.
- Department of National Defense (DND) Hospitals.
- Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Hospitals.
- Philippine National Police (PNP) Hospitals.
- Local Government Unit (LGU) Hospitals.
- Department of Justice (DOJ) Infirmaries.
- State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) Hospitals.
- Other partner government and privately operated hospitals and health facilities
Important Notes
For your reference, here are a few things you need to take note of:
- Assistance is non-convertible to cash.
- There should be no double charging to MAIFIP funds.
- Accommodation: Beneficiaries are admitted to basic or non-private ward accommodations.
- Private accommodations are considered only under specific conditions, such as non-availability of basic wards, emergency cases requiring intensive care, or clinical conditions necessitating isolation.
- Validity of Assistance: MAIFIP program funds are valid from the date of issuance until December 31 of the same year.
Program Management and Oversight
The Malasakit Program Office (MPO) oversees the program nationwide. Designated coordinators in each hospital manage patient screening, fund disbursement, documentation, and reporting. For regional offices, specific MAIFIP coordinators are assigned to monitor implementation.
Grievance committees are also being set up to address issues such as hospitals refusing to honor DOH guarantee letters, vouchers, or checks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the common questions about the DOH MAIFIP:
1. Is MAIFIP available in private hospitals?
No, it is only available in DOH-retained public hospitals and select government health facilities.
2. Can I still apply if I already have PhilHealth?
Yes, MAIFIP is meant to complement PhilHealth benefits and cover additional costs not shouldered by PhilHealth.
3. Do I need a barangay certificate to apply?
Yes, a Barangay Certificate of Indigency or Certification of Financial Incapacity is typically required.
4. Is there an income limit to qualify for MAIFIP?
There is no strict income bracket, but applicants must prove financial incapacity through supporting documents or referrals.
5. How fast can I get assistance once I apply?
Processing time varies by hospital, but applying through Malasakit Centers can significantly fast-track the process.
6. Can walk-in patients apply for MAIFIP?
Yes, walk-in patients are allowed to apply as long as they have the required documents.
7. Do I need to be admitted in the hospital to qualify?
No, assistance is available for both inpatients and outpatients.
8. Can I apply for someone else?
Yes, representatives may apply on behalf of the patient with an authorization letter and valid IDs.
9. Are there any fees to apply for MAIFIP?
No, applying for MAIFIP is completely free of charge.
10. How often can I apply for MAIFIP assistance?
Assistance can be granted on a case-by-case basis depending on the patient’s condition and available funding.
Video: DOH MAIFIP Informational Video
The DOH MAIFIP program is a comprehensive medical support initiative for indigent and financially challenged Filipinos. Through a well-structured screening and processing system, patients can receive the care they need without the heavy burden of healthcare costs. To learn more about the program, visit the Medical Social Services unit in any DOH-accredited hospital, submit the necessary documents, and undergo a proper assessment to begin your application for medical aid. You may also check out this explainer video from San Lazaro Hospital:
Contact Information
For more information or assistance, individuals are encouraged to contact the nearest DOH-affiliated health facility or contact the DOH via their official communication channels.
Department of Health (DOH)
- Main Office Address: San Lazaro Compound, Tayuman, Sta. Cruz, Manila Philippines 1003
- Telephone No. (632) 8651-7800
- DOH Call Center: (632) 8651-7800 local 5003-5004, (632) 165-364
- Email Address: callcenter@doh.gov.ph
- Official Website: https://doh.gov.ph/
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