Financial assistance for hospital and medical bills refers to programs that provide financial aid or subsidies to individuals who cannot afford healthcare services. These programs cover a range of costs, from hospitalizations and surgeries to medications and diagnostic tests, helping alleviate the financial strain on patients.
While financial assistance focuses on covering or reducing medical expenses, medical assistance programs may also include non-financial support like healthcare access or preventive services. In the Philippines, millions of people, especially those in low-income and marginalized groups, rely on these forms of aid due to limited healthcare coverage and high medical costs. Knowing about institutions that offer these programs empowers individuals to seek timely help, reducing the likelihood of debt or untreated health conditions.
Types of Financial Assistance for Medical and Hospital Bills in the Philippines
In the Philippines, numerous programs offer financial aid for medical and hospital expenses, categorized based on their approach and targeted beneficiaries. These initiatives, provided by both government agencies and NGOs, ensure that healthcare becomes more accessible for all sectors of society.
Government Programs:
- Integrated Medical Assistance: Programs that coordinate various agencies to streamline medical and financial aid in government hospitals. They provide comprehensive assistance for hospital bills and medications.
- Health Insurance and Subsidized Healthcare: Programs offering health insurance coverage and subsidies for essential medical treatments. These initiatives aim to reduce out-of-pocket costs for low-income families and senior citizens.
- Social Welfare and Crisis Assistance: Crisis-driven programs offering immediate financial support for medical expenses to individuals in urgent situations. They provide financial relief during emergencies or severe economic hardships.
- Specialized Medical Assistance: These programs cater to high-cost and specialized medical conditions such as cancer or kidney transplants. Financial aid covers critical treatments, medications, and surgeries.
Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and Foundations:
- Church and Religious-Based Assistance: Religious organizations provide financial aid to indigent patients for their medical needs. They serve as a vital resource for vulnerable individuals seeking support.
- Foundations for Pediatric and Cancer Support: Foundations that focus on assisting children and cancer patients with financial help for medical treatments. They ensure access to healthcare for these vulnerable groups.
- Medical Missions and Community Outreach: Programs providing medical care through outreach missions to underserved areas. These initiatives include services like medical consultations, surgeries, and distribution of medical supplies.
- Specialized Financial Assistance: NGOs offering targeted financial support for specific medical needs, such as surgeries, dialysis, or prosthetics. They work to alleviate financial challenges for patients undergoing expensive treatments.
- Media-Based Assistance Programs: Media-driven foundations that raise funds and offer medical assistance for patients in need. These programs leverage public visibility to support healthcare costs for the underprivileged.
Now that you have a better understanding of the categories of financial assistance programs available, let’s delve into specific programs that provide direct support for medical and hospital bills in the Philippines. These programs are crucial for individuals and families facing financial difficulties, ensuring they receive the medical care they need without overwhelming financial burdens. Below is a comprehensive list of financial assistance programs you can turn to for help with hospital expenses and medical treatments in the country.
Government Programs:
Malasakit Center – Medical Assistance
The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop for financial aid, particularly for indigent patients in DOH-retained hospitals. It coordinates various government agencies to facilitate the provision of medical and financial assistance. The assistance is primarily in the form of guarantee letters for hospital bills and medicines, rather than direct cash support.
Purpose: To simplify access to medical and financial assistance for low-income patients.
Benefits and Other Terms:
- Hospital bill and medication support
- Up to Php 50,000 from the Presidential Social Fund (PSF)
- Additional aid based on assessments
- Assistance provided through guarantee letters, not cash
PhilHealth – Program I (Medicare)
PhilHealth Medicare provides basic health insurance to senior citizens, covering hospitalizations, outpatient services, and medical procedures.
Purpose: To offer affordable healthcare to senior citizens.
Benefits and Other Terms:
- Coverage for hospitalization
- Outpatient services
- Medical procedures
PhilHealth – Program II (Indigent Program)
This PhilHealth program supports low-income families by offering subsidized healthcare, focusing on essential treatments and services.
Purpose: To ensure that indigent families receive necessary healthcare.
Benefits and Other Terms:
- Subsidized essential health services and treatments
PhilHealth – Konsulta Package
This package covers a range of outpatient consultations, including preventive care, diagnostic tests, and day surgeries.
Purpose: To promote regular health check-ups and early disease detection.
Benefits and Other Terms:
- Routine check-ups
- Diagnostic tests
- Preventive care
- Day surgeries, radiotherapy, blood transfusions, and hemodialysis
PhilHealth – Primary Care Benefits
The Primary Care Benefits package includes preventive care services, such as vaccinations and screenings, to encourage early detection and management of diseases.
Purpose: To promote preventive healthcare and early intervention.
Benefits and Other Terms:
- Vaccinations
- Health screenings
PhilHealth – Case Rate Package
This package provides a fixed coverage amount for specific medical cases and procedures, making costs predictable for both patients and providers.
Purpose: To standardize and simplify medical cost coverage for common procedures.
Benefits and Other Terms:
- Pre-set financial coverage for specific cases
PhilHealth – Z Benefit Package
The Z Benefit Package offers comprehensive support for high-cost medical conditions, including cancer and kidney transplants, to lessen the financial strain on patients.
Purpose: To support high-cost medical conditions.
Benefits and Other Terms:
- Cancer treatment: Php 120,000 Php 1.4 million (depending on cancer type)
- Kidney transplant: Php 600,000
- Orthopedic implants and procedures
- Other major surgeries and interventions
Note: The cash assistance under the Z benefit package is supposed to cover the following:
- hospital room and board fees
- laboratory exams
- medicines
- operating room fees, mandatory and other services
- professional fees
PhilHealth – SDG Package
The SDG Package aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, covering treatments for HIV-AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and more.
Purpose: To improve health outcomes for patients with specific conditions under SDG.
Benefits and Other Terms:
- HIV-AIDS: Php 30,000/year
- Malaria: Php 600
- Tuberculosis: Php 4,000
PhilHealth – Maternity Care Package
This package covers prenatal, delivery, and postnatal services for pregnant women, including newborn care.
Purpose: To ensure comprehensive maternal and newborn healthcare.
Benefits and Other Terms:
- Prenatal check-ups
- Delivery (normal and complicated)
- Newborn screening and essential newborn care
PhilHealth – Dialysis Package
This package provides coverage for regular dialysis treatments for patients with chronic kidney disease.
Purpose: To assist patients in managing kidney disease through subsidized dialysis treatments.
Benefits and Other Terms:
- Coverage for dialysis sessions and necessary medications
Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) – Medical Access Program (MAP)
The Medical Access Program (MAP) of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) offers financial aid to those unable to cover medical expenses. Partnering with hospitals, pharmacies, and health facilities, it helps with medical healthcare costs. It covers a broad range of medical needs.
Purpose: To provide financial assistance for medical and hospitalization expenses.
Benefits and Other Terms:
- Coverage for hospitalization, chemotherapy drugs, and specialty medicines
- Support for laboratory tests, medical devices, and rehabilitation therapy
- Amounts vary based on diagnosis and needs
PCSO – Individual Medical Assistance Program (IMAP)
IMAP provides individual financial support for hospitalization and medical treatments. It uses a patient classification system to determine the level of coverage. The PCSO program ensures timely financial assistance for urgent medical care.
Purpose: To provide immediate financial assistance for medical and hospitalization expenses.
Benefits and Other Terms:
- 100% coverage for government hospital charity wards, 90% for government hospital pay sections, up to 70% for private charity wards
- Coverage for outpatient services and chemotherapy
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS)
AICS offers various forms of support to individuals in crisis, including medical and financial aid. It is aimed at helping people recover from economic hardships and urgent situations. The program is easily accessible through local DSWD offices.
Purpose: To provide immediate support to individuals facing crises or severe economic difficulties.
Benefits and Other Terms:
- Medical assistance for hospital bills and medications
- Emergency cash relief
DSWD – Lingap at Gabay Para (LinGaP) sa May Sakit (MaSa)
LinGaP sa MaSa offers financial support to those with high medical expenses, especially for serious illnesses. It covers treatments like chemotherapy, prostheses, and assistive devices. Priority is given by the DSWD to the marginalized groups and low-income workers.
Purpose: To offer financial aid for medical treatment and related expenses.
Benefits and Other Terms:
- Coverage for laboratory tests, surgery, hospitalization, chemotherapy, and dialysis
- Prostheses, maintenance medicines, medical supplies
- Travel expenses for treatments outside the province
- Maximum assistance of PHP 75,000 per case per year
Department of Health (DOH) – Cancer Support and Palliative Medicine Access Program (CSPMAP)
CSPMAP is a program initiated by the Department of Health (DOH) to provide free cancer medicines through accredited facilities, reducing patients’ out-of-pocket costs. It is part of the National Integrated Cancer Control Program, which targets several priority cancer types. The program supplements existing financial support mechanisms for cancer patients.
Purpose: To enhance access to cancer medicines and treatments.
Benefits and Other Terms:
- Free cancer medicines
- Funding for cancer prevention, screening, and treatment
Social Security System (SSS) – Sickness Benefits
This Social Security System (SSS) program provides daily cash allowances to members who cannot work due to illness or injury. Eligible SSS members must have exhausted their paid leave and met certain contribution requirements. A maximum of 120 sick leave days can be claimed per year.
Purpose: To financially support members during periods of illness or injury.
Benefits and Other Terms:
- Daily cash allowance of 90% of the member’s average daily salary credit (ADSC)
- Up to 120 days of coverage per year
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) – Supplemental Medical Assistance for OFWs (MEDplus)
MEDplus is a program initiated by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to provide financial assistance to OFWs facing hospitalization due to serious illnesses. It supplements their PhilHealth benefits. Eligible OFWs can receive up to PHP 50,000 in financial aid.
Purpose: To provide financial aid to OFWs for medical expenses.
Benefits and Other Terms:
- Up to PHP 50,000 in financial support for medical bills
OWWA – Welfare Assistance Program (WAP)
WAP is yet another OWWA program designed to provide cash relief to OFWs and their families in various situations, including medical needs, natural calamities, and economic or political displacement. The program helps both active and inactive members.
Purpose: To offer financial support during hardships not covered by other OWWA benefits.
Benefits and Other Terms:
- Cash support for medical needs not covered by MEDplus
Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) – Medical Assistance for Cancer Patients
PAGCOR offers financial aid to cancer patients, focusing on chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and medications. This initiative alleviates the financial strain of cancer treatment.
Purpose: To provide financial support for cancer patients in need of medical assistance.
Benefits and Other Terms:
- Coverage for chemotherapy and radiation therapy
- Assistance with medication costs
PAGCOR – Financial and Medical Assistance
PAGCOR funds healthcare infrastructure and provides financial aid to hospitals and citizens in need. Notable contributions include funding for hospitals, health facilities, and medical equipment. Financial assistance is also granted to individuals and local governments for healthcare expenses.
Purpose: To support key government health programs and provide medical aid.
Benefits and Other Terms:
- Infrastructure funding for state-run hospitals
- Financial aid for individual medical expenses
Office of the President – Medical Assistance
The Office of the President offers financial aid for medical expenses, especially for serious conditions like cancer. This assistance is delivered through guarantee letters to hospitals, helping patients access necessary treatments.
Purpose: To provide immediate financial aid for medical expenses.
Benefits and Other Terms:
- Financial assistance for hospital bills and treatments
- Assistance up to Php 5,000 can be approved by the CIU head or designated officer.
- Assistance between Php 5,000 and Php 10,000 requires approval from the Assistant Bureau Director (PSB) or the Assistant Regional Director (FOs).
- Assistance between Php 10,000 and Php 25,000 can be recommended by the social worker and must be approved by the Regional Director (FOs) or the PSB Director.
- Assistance beyond Php 25,000 but up to Php 75,000 requires approval from the Assistant Secretary for Protective Programs or the Regional Director (FOs).
- Assistance is issued through a Guarantee Letter to service providers like pharmacies and hospitals.
- Clients can avail assistance once every three months, with additional assistance requiring justification and approval, subject to fund availability.
Office of the Vice President (OVP) – Medical Assistance
The OVP provides financial assistance for cancer patients needing treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This program ensures that patients can have access to essential treatments.
Purpose: To help cancer patients access necessary treatments.
Benefits and Other Terms:
- Financial support for chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and brachytherapy
OVP – Medical and Burial (MAB) Assistance Program
The OVP MAB program, funded by PAGCOR, offers medical and burial assistance to Filipinos. The program covers various medical services, treatments, and diagnostic procedures. It serves as an accessible source of aid for low-income families.
Purpose: To provide medical and burial assistance to needy Filipinos.
Benefits and Other Terms:
- Coverage for dialysis, medications, laboratory tests, implants, chemotherapy, and more
Senate Public Assistance Office (SPAO) – Online Medical Assistance
The Senate offers an online platform for medical assistance requests, providing financial support for hospital bills and medications. Patients can apply online or visit the senators’ offices.
Purpose: To provide accessible medical assistance to constituents.
Benefits and Other Terms:
- Online submission of requests
- Financial aid for hospital bills and medications
List of Senators and their Offices:
Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III
Senate Office: Rm. 606-609 & 1 (New Wing 5/F)
GSIS Bldg., Financial Center, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City
Trunk Lines: (632) 552-6601 to 70 local no. 5548
Direct Line: (632) 822-9758
Senator Vicente C. Sotto III
Senate Office: Rm. 603 & 24 (New Wing 5/F)
GSIS Bldg., Financial Center, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City
Trunk Lines: (632) 552-6601 to 70 local nos. 6501 to 6505
Direct Lines: (632) 659-5259 (Admin)/ (632) 804-0270 (Legis)
Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV
Senate Office: Rm. 510 & 5 (New Wing 5/F)
GSIS Bldg., Financial Center, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City
Trunk Lines: (632) 552 6601 local nos. 6512 / 8623
Direct Line: (632) 552-6747
Senator Alan Peter “Compañero” S. Cayetano
Senate Office: Rm. 602 & 11 (New Wing 5/F)
GSIS Bldg., Financial Center, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City
Trunk Lines: (632) 552-6601 to 70 local no. 5520
Senator Leila De Lima
Senate Office: Rm. 502 & 16 (New Wing 5/F)
GSIS Bldg., Financial Center, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City
Trunk Lines: (632) 552-6601 to 70 local nos. 5750 / (Rm. 16) 8619
Direct Lines: (Rm. 502) 807-8489 / (Rm. 16) 807-8580
Senator Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero
Senate Office: Rm. 517 & 10 (New Wing 5/F)
GSIS Bldg., Financial Center, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City
Trunk Lines: (632) 552-6601 to 70 local nos. 6537 / 6540 / 8610
Direct Line: (632) 833-5034
Senator Emmanuel “Manny” D. Pacquiao
Senate Office: Rm. 526 & 6 (New Wing 5/F)
GSIS Bldg., Financial Center, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City
Trunk Lines: (632) 552-6601 to 70 local nos. 5701-5702
Direct Lines: (632) 552-6686 / (632) 552-6685
Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV
Senate Office: Rm. 519 & 15 (New Wing 5/F)
GSIS Bldg., Financial Center, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City
Trunk Lines: (632) 552-6601 to 70 local nos. 5666 / 5667
Direct Line: (632) 833-6257
Senator Maria Lourdes “Nancy” S. Binay
Senate Office: Rm. 523 & 14 (New Wing 5/F)
GSIS Bldg., Financial Center, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City
Trunk Lines: (632) 552-6601 to 70 local no. 8616
Direct Line: (632) 502-9477
Note: Senator Nancy Binay only offers assistance to patients from ages 0-17 years old.
House of Representatives – Medical Assistance Program
The House of Representatives offers medical assistance programs, particularly for cancer patients, through their representatives. These programs provide financial support and access to healthcare services.
Purpose: To assist constituents with medical needs.
Benefits and Other Terms:
- Financial aid for medical expenses
- Access to healthcare through government hospitals
Other Foundations, Organizations, and NGOs:
Redemptorist Church (Baclaran) – Social Services Office
The Social Services Office of the Redemptorist Church in Baclaran provides financial assistance to indigent patients, helping them meet their medical needs.
Purpose: To provide financial assistance to indigent patients.
Benefits and Other Terms:
- Financial assistance for medical needs.
- Contact: +632 8832 1150
Tzu Chi Foundation – Medical and Financial Support for Breast Cancer Patients
Tzu Chi Foundation offers medical and financial assistance to patients diagnosed with Stage I-II breast cancer. Documentation, including social case studies and virtual house visits, is required for the application process.
Purpose: To provide medical and financial assistance to breast cancer patients.
Benefits and Other Terms:
- One-time financial assistance per year for up to 3 treatment cycles.
- Contact: Submit requirements via Tzu Chi PH Ssd’s Facebook Messenger.
St. John the Baptist Parish (Quiapo Church) – Medical Assistance Program
St. John the Baptist Parish offers medical assistance to indigent patients to support their healthcare needs.
Purpose: To offer medical assistance to indigent patients.
Benefits and Other Terms:
- Medical assistance provided to those in need.
- Contact: 733-4945. Submission of applications is available from Tuesday to Friday at 9 AM.
GMA Kapuso Foundation – Medical Assistance Program for Pediatric Patients
GMA Kapuso Foundation assists pediatric patients aged 0-18 in government hospitals, helping cover medical treatment expenses.
Purpose: To assist pediatric patients in need of medical treatment.
Benefits and Other Terms:
- Medical assistance for pediatric patients.
- Contact: 928-4299 or visit 2/F Kapuso Center, Samar St. Cor. Jamboree St., Diliman, Quezon City.
ABS-CBN Tulong Center – Medical Assistance Program
ABS-CBN Tulong Center provides medical assistance to patients from government hospitals, covering costs for prescriptions, laboratory requests, and more.
Purpose: To provide medical assistance to patients in need.
Benefits and Other Terms:
- Medical assistance, including prescriptions and laboratory support.
- Contact: 414-1296/414-5431, or visit ABS-CBN Center Road, Mo. Ignacia St., Quezon City.
Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko Foundation – Medical Assistance Program
The Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko Foundation, through its long-running television program, supports indigent Filipinos by providing financial assistance for medical treatments.
Purpose: To assist indigent patients with their medical needs through various avenues.
Benefits and Other Terms:
- Financial assistance for medical treatments.
- Contact: facebook.com/KapwaKo or text (0975) 594 8667 (TM/Globe) / (0922) 364 7091 (SUN/Smart).
Philippine Red Cross – Multipurpose Cash Assistance Program
The Philippine Red Cross provides financial aid for medical expenses and emergency healthcare services to individuals and families affected by health crises.
Purpose: To provide immediate health assistance and support to those in need.
Benefits and Other Terms:
- Financial aid for medical expenses, including hospital bills and medications.
- Access to health services and emergency medical assistance.
- Cash grants of Php5,000.00 per family under the Forecast-Based Financing Project.
Akbay Ginhawa Foundation Inc. – Equality in Quality Healthcare
Akbay Ginhawa Foundation supports underserved patients at The Medical City by providing financial assistance for their healthcare needs, including out-patient and in-patient services.
Purpose: To promote healthcare equity by supporting indigent patients and healthcare programs at The Medical City.
Benefits and Other Terms:
- Financial and material support for indigent patients.
- Support for hospital initiatives, research, and training programs.
- Contact: Lower Ground, Medical Arts Tower Inc., Don Eugenio Lopez Sr. Medical Complex, Ortigas Ave., Pasig City, Metro Manila.
Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines – Medical Assistance Program
Operation Blessing provides medical assistance to underserved communities, including services like medical missions, wheelchair distribution, and life-changing surgeries.
Purpose: To provide healthcare services to the poorest of the poor and those without access to proper medical care.
Benefits and Other Terms:
- Medical missions and assistance.
- Wheelchair distribution and surgery support.
Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Inc. – Medical & Social Awareness
Alagang Kapatid Foundation offers medical assistance to indigent patients in government medical institutions who require urgent care.
Purpose: To provide medical assistance to indigent patients in need of immediate services.
Benefits and Other Terms:
- Medical assistance for urgent healthcare needs.
- Contact: (02) 689 3100 local 45191/45192, or email AlagangKapatidFoundation@tv5.com.ph.
Video: Top 10 Institutions to Go to for Financial Assistance on Medical Bills
For more information on the institutions to go to for medical bill assistance in the Philippines, watch this video from Primo and Fam’s Channel:
Summary
Understanding the array of financial assistance programs for hospital and medical bills may be the only life-saving grace for those facing significant healthcare expenses. These programs help bridge the gap between individuals’ financial constraints and their medical needs, ensuring that necessary treatments are accessible to them.
Navigating these options effectively can make a profound difference in managing medical costs and maintaining health. Explore these resources to secure the support you need and ensure timely, life-saving medical care.