The Malasakit Center is a groundbreaking initiative by the Philippine government, designed as a one-stop shop providing financial aid for health-related expenses. It was created with the vision to streamline and simplify the process of obtaining monetary assistance from the government, alleviating the burden on Filipinos who are already dealing with health concerns.
Also read: CHAMP: City Hospitalization Assistance and Medicines Program
In Cebu City, a Malasakit Center has been established to serve the local community. This center embodies the same commitment to providing accessible and efficient financial help for medical expenses. By bringing together various government agencies under one roof, the Cebu City Malasakit Center ensures that residents can easily access the help they need without having to navigate multiple offices and procedures.
Benefits of Malasakit Center
- One-Stop Shop: The Malasakit Center consolidates the financial assistance provided by various government agencies, making it easier for patients to access help without having to visit multiple offices.
- Simplified Process: The center simplifies the process of obtaining financial aid by providing a unified form that serves all participating agencies. This significantly reduces paperwork and processing time.
- Accessibility: Malasakit Centers are usually located within public hospitals, making them easy to access for patients and their families.
- Comprehensive Assistance: The centers cater to all Filipinos in need, particularly those who are indigent or marginalized. They cover a wide range of health-related expenses, including hospital bills, medicines, and medical procedures.
- Patient Navigation: The centers provide patient navigators who guide the patients through the process, helping them understand the requirements and ensuring they receive the maximum benefits available.
- Zero Balance Bill: For indigent patients, the aim is to reduce the hospital bill to the least amount possible, even zero, after all other means such as PhilHealth and PCSO assistance have been exhausted.
By offering these services, Malasakit Centers significantly alleviate the financial burden associated with medical expenses, allowing patients to focus more on recovery.
Who are the Beneficiaries of the Malasakit
The primary beneficiaries of the Malasakit Center are Filipino citizens who are in need of medical and financial assistance.
- Indigent Patients: These are individuals who have no means of income or whose incomes are insufficient for the basic needs of their families.
- Poor Patients: These include individuals and families who fall below the poverty line as defined by the Philippine government.
- Marginalized and Disadvantaged Patients: These are individuals who might not be officially defined as poor but still struggle to afford healthcare because of their socioeconomic status.
- Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs): These groups often face additional health challenges and may have limited income, making them eligible beneficiaries.
- Catastrophic Health Cases: Patients dealing with serious health conditions that require substantial medical costs can also benefit from the Malasakit Center.
By bringing together the services of various government agencies, the Malasakit Center aims to provide comprehensive financial relief to these beneficiaries, helping them cope with the costs of medical care and treatment.
Requirements for Malasakit Center
To avail of the financial assistance provided by the Malasakit Center, beneficiaries need to prepare the following documents:
Hospital Bills
- These should include a detailed breakdown of the medical costs incurred during the hospital stay. It’s important to keep all original receipts and invoices for documentation.
Medical Abstract
- A summary given by the attending physician or the hospital that explains the patient’s medical condition, the treatment provided, and any further medical needs.
Filled Out Malasakit Unified Form
- This form is a consolidated document that applies to all participating government agencies in the Malasakit Center. Filling out this form means you’re applying for assistance from all these agencies at once. The form can be obtained from the Malasakit Center.
Please note that the requirements may vary slightly depending on the specifics of your situation or the policies of the particular Malasakit Center you’re applying to. Always check with the center for the most accurate information.
Also read: Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for PCSO Medical Assistance in Cebu
How to Apply for Assistance at the Malasakit Center in Cebu?
Applying for financial assistance from a Malasakit Center involves a few straightforward steps:
Step 1: Get Your Hospital Bill and Medical Abstract
- If you are an in-patient, go to the billing section of the hospital and request an assessment of your bill along with a medical abstract. These documents detail your medical expenses and condition.
Step 2: Fill Out the Malasakit Unified Form
- Visit the Malasakit Center with your documents and request the Malasakit Unified Form. This form is used to apply for assistance from all participating government agencies. A social worker at the center will assist you in filling out the form and determining the extent of coverage you can receive.
Step 3: Visit the PhilHealth Desk
- You’ll be directed to the PhilHealth desk at the Malasakit Center. If you’re not already a member, you’ll be automatically registered. PhilHealth’s coverage will be applied to your medical expenses first.
Step 4: Seek Additional Funding if Necessary
- If your initial PhilHealth coverage isn’t enough to cover all your expenses, the Malasakit Center will guide you to either the PCSO or DOH desks to secure additional funding from the President’s Social Fund (PSF).
Step 5: Present Your Document to the Billing Department
- The assistance from the Malasakit Center comes in the form of a document that vouches for your covered hospital expenses, not cash. Present this document to the hospital’s billing department, and they will deduct the covered amount from your bill.
Remember, the goal of the Malasakit Center is to reduce your bill to the lowest amount possible, making healthcare more accessible and affordable.
Coverage of Malasakit Center
The amount covered by the Malasakit Center can vary greatly depending on the patient’s specific situation and the assessment from the various government agencies involved.
A patient may be able to receive up to P50,000 from the Presidential Social Fund (PSF), which is one of the many sources of funding available through the Malasakit Center. The PSF is intended for Filipinos in dire need of financial assistance due to medical emergencies or other crises.
In addition to the PSF, patients can also receive assistance from other agencies like the Department of Health (DOH), the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
Please note that the Malasakit Center aims to reduce the patient’s hospital bill to the lowest possible amount, even zero if applicable. The actual amount covered will depend on several factors, including the patient’s medical condition, financial status, and the availability of funds.
Malasakit Center in Different Hospitals of Cebu
Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center
- Address: B. Rodriguez St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu
- Hours: Open 24 hours
- Phone: (032) 253 9891
- This center serves as a one-stop shop for patients seeking financial aid from various government agencies to cover their medical expenses.
Eversley Childs Sanitarium and General Hospital
- Address: 9X83+HFV, Upper Jagobiao Rd, Mandaue City, Cebu
- Hours: Open 24 hours
- Phone: (032) 238 6811
- The Malasakit Center in this hospital helps indigent and marginalized patients access affordable healthcare services.
Talisay District Hospital
- Address: Talisay District Hospital, San Isidro, Talisay, 6045 Lalawigan ng Cebu
- Hours: Open 24 hours
- Phone: (032) 265 5986
- Patients at this hospital can seek financial assistance for their healthcare expenses through the Malasakit Center located here.
Saint Anthony Mother and Child Hospital
- Address: Cabreros St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu
- Hours: Open 24 hours
- Phone: (032) 418 9477
- The Malasakit Center in this specialty hospital provides financial aid to families for maternal and child health services.
Remember, these Malasakit Centers aim to reduce your healthcare expenses to the lowest possible amount by providing a streamlined process for obtaining financial assistance from multiple government agencies. Always reach out to them when in need.
Video: PROSESO NG PAG-APLAY NG MEDICAL ASSISTANCE SA MALASAKIT CENTERS / LIST OF MALASAKIT CENTERS
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a Malasakit Center?
A: A Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop located in hospitals across the Philippines that provides financial help to patients. It brings together representatives from several government agencies to streamline the process of availing medical assistance.
2. Who can avail assistance from a Malasakit Center?
A: Any Filipino citizen who needs financial assistance for medical care can apply at a Malasakit Center. Priority is given to indigent and marginalized patients.
3. Which government agencies are part of the Malasakit Center?
A: The Malasakit Center includes representatives from PhilHealth, PCSO, DSWD, and DOH.
4. How much financial assistance can I receive?
A: The amount depends on your medical expenses and the assessment from the government agencies. You could potentially receive up to P50,000 from the Presidential Social Fund (PSF), but the goal of the Malasakit Center is to reduce your hospital bill to the lowest possible amount.
5. Is Malasakit Center under DSWD?
A: No, it’s not under DSWD. However, DSWD is one of the government agencies that participate in the Malasakit Center program.
6. Can I apply for assistance if I’m not a PhilHealth member?
A: Yes, you can. If you’re not a PhilHealth member, you’ll be automatically registered when you apply for assistance at a Malasakit Center.
7. How long does it take to process my application?
A: Processing times can vary, but the Malasakit Center aims to provide quick and efficient service to reduce the burden on patients and their families.
8. What if the assistance from the Malasakit Center is not enough to cover my bills?
A: If your initial coverage isn’t enough, the Malasakit Center will guide you to secure additional funding from other sources, like the President’s Social Fund (PSF).
9. Can patients access Malasakit Center in a Private Hospital?
A: To utilize the services of the Malasakit Center, it is required that you are a registered patient at one of the collaborating hospitals. Nevertheless, the development of Malasakit Centers in privately-owned hospitals is highly recommended.
10. Do I need to be a registered voter in Cebu City to qualify for the services provided by the Malasakit Center?
A: No, it is not necessary to be a registered voter in Cebu City to avail of services from the Malasakit Center. It was established with the primary objective of providing accessible and affordable healthcare services for the people of Cebu City and its neighboring areas. As long as you are a resident of Cebu City, or any nearby area, you can benefit from Malasakit Center’s services.
Summary
The Malasakit Center in Cebu is a valuable resource for those in need of free health care services. Thanks to the efforts of the government and the private sector, the Malasakit Center provides a streamlined approach to accessing important medical services. From basic lab tests to specialized treatment, the center works to provide complete care to those who would otherwise not have access.
By bringing together the resources of key hospitals in Cebu, the Malasakit Center is able to streamline the healthcare process, providing quick and efficient service to all those who use it. Whether you need health care for yourself or someone you know, the Malasakit Center is the place to go.
Contact Information
If you or someone you know needs assistance from a Malasakit Center, you can reach out to them through the following contact details:
Hotline Numbers:
- 8651 7800 local 1810
- 8651 7800 local 1811
- 8651 7800 local 2711
These lines are typically available 24/7. The representatives on these numbers can guide you through the process of applying for financial assistance for medical expenses.
