Senator Erwin Tulfo is moving to eliminate “hidden” medical costs by filing a measure that mandates healthcare providers to provide strictly itemized billing to patients.
Senate Bill 1987 requires all medical institutions to issue a comprehensive statement of account. Under the proposed law, bills must explicitly detail facility charges, medicines, supplies, and diagnostic services.
Furthermore, the bill demands full disclosure of professional fees, requiring the inclusion of the names, specialties, and specific services rendered by every attending healthcare worker.
Tulfo noted that the current lack of detail in medical billing leaves many Filipino families in the dark, unable to verify if the charges align with the actual care received.
“There must be a higher standard when it comes to medical institutions. Yes, we understand that hospitals operate within financial constraints and must remain fiscally responsible, but accountability in billing should never be compromised,” Tulfo stated.
The legislation seeks to involve the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth in creating a standardized billing format.
According to the Senator, the current fragmented system prevents regulators from accurately assessing hospital charges or ensuring they are properly aligned with PhilHealth coverage.
By enforcing transparency, the bill aims to protect patients from unfair billing practices during a time of rising healthcare inflation.
“In the end, the measure of a healthcare system is not found solely in its equipment, facilities, or balance sheets, but in how it treats the weakest among us,” he added.