DOH to exclude kamote riders in the zero balance billing policy.
KAMOTE RIDERS – The Department of Health (DOH) reminds the public that road and traffic violators are not included in the zero balance billing policy.
The government is not covering the hospital bills of traffic violators or so-called “kamote riders.” This serves as one of the consequences that reckless drivers and riders must face to ensure accountability. Simply speaking, kamote riders are not covered by the government’s zero hospital balance bill policy.
“Today, I’m announcing that if you are admitted [in a DOH hospital] because you are not wearing a helmet, you are not wearing a seatbelt, you’re drinking — you are now disqualified from the zero balance bill,” said the Department of Health Secretary Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa, MD.
Road violators will not be denied medical care, but they will no longer enjoy the privilege of government coverage. The Health Secretary explained that individuals involved in crash-related injuries will still receive treatment, while innocent victims will remain fully covered, as they should not be penalized for circumstances beyond their control.
“We do not deny care. What we will do is bill them when they get discharged. If you drink, get into a crash, sustain injuries, and it is determined through blood tests or a breath analyzer that you were under the influence above the legal limit—then you are disqualified from the zero-balance benefit,” he explained.
About the policy
This was emphasized by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and while some details remain unclear, one thing is certain: as long as a patient is admitted to a basic or ward accommodation in a DOH-accredited hospital, their expenses will be covered under the zero-balance billing policy.
A basic or ward accommodation “refers to the provision of regular meals, a bed in a shared room, fan ventilation, and shared toilet and bath,” according to the Universal Health Care Act.
DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo said that regardless of one’s socioeconomic status, age, or job, everyone is eligible for zero-balance billing. He said, “Ang current policy ngayon is as long as kayo po ay magpapa-admit sa isang basic accommodation or ward accommodation ng isang DOH hospital, kahit kayo po ay magsasaka o manager, kayo ay covered ng polisiya.”
What can you say about this? Let us know in the comments!