MANILA (January 18) — Starting February, poor and financially vulnerable patients will no longer need guarantee letters from politicians to have their hospital bills covered, thanks to new rules from the Department of Health (DOH) for the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP).
The move comes following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to cut red tape and make medical assistance more accessible, transparent, and needs-based.
“Nakabase ang guidelines sa mahigpit na utos ng Pangulong Marcos na bawal na ang mga guarantee letters mula sa mga elected official para bayaran ang bill ng pasyente sa mga ospital,” the DOH said in a statement Saturday.
Expanded coverage, bigger help
The updated guidelines aim to give patients more than just hospital stays. Coverage now includes:
- Ambulatory care and surgical clinics
- Eye and dental services
- Free-standing dialysis centers
- FDA-approved medicines
- 100% of doctors’ professional fees
The program’s budget also grew, from PHP41 billion in 2025 to PHP51.6 billion in 2026, with funds going directly to hospitals and local government units, ensuring patients receive aid promptly.
Why it matters
For years, patients seeking financial assistance in hospitals had to rely on politicians’ guarantee letters to cover costs—a process that often delayed treatment and left the most vulnerable waiting for help.
Health officials say the new system eliminates this barrier, putting patients first and ensuring that help is based on need, not political connections.
“This change is designed to make medical aid faster, more transparent, and fair,” the DOH said.
What patients need to know
- No political letters needed: Help is automatically available to qualified patients.
- Services covered are broader: From outpatient care to dialysis and medications.
- Full doctor fees: Patients no longer pay out of pocket for professional fees.
- Bigger budget, faster access: Funding goes directly to hospitals and LGUs.
