BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Department of Health-Cordillera (DOH CAR) clarified the eligibility requirements and coverage of the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program and reminded beneficiaries to use the government assistance responsibly so more patients can benefit.
Kurthlyn C. Pablo-Paulino, head of the DOH-CAR Malasakit Program Unit, said MAIFIP is intended to reduce patients’ out-of-pocket medical expenses after applying applicable hospital discounts, PhilHealth benefits, private insurance coverage, and other available funding sources.
She said any remaining balance may be covered by MAIFIP, subject to social worker assessment, program guidelines, and fund availability.
Who may avail
The MAIFIP may assist two groups of patients: Indigent patients or those with no visible means of income or insufficient resources to meet their basic needs, and financially incapacitated patients or those who may have income but are unable to pay for necessary medical treatment because of their current financial situation.
Eligibility is subject to assessment and certification by the hospital’s medical social worker or designated officer.
Basic requirements
Patients or their authorized representatives may initially prepare valid government-issued identification; Barangay Certificate of Indigency or Certificate of No Income, when applicable; or 4Ps identification card, when applicable.
Pablo-Paulino said incomplete documents may delay application processing.
Patients who cannot present the standard proof of indigency may request an eligibility assessment from a registered social worker at the hospital or from the City Social Welfare and Development Office.
Other documents, such as the hospital bill, statement of account, prescription, or diagnostic request, may also be required depending on the type of assistance sought.
The hospital or its medical social service unit will advise applicants on the complete requirements.
Assistance in private hospitals
As mentioned by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his 5th State of the Nation Address, MAIFIP is now available in more hospitals, and the process has been made easier.
According to Pablo-Paulino, the program may also cover patients receiving treatment in participating private hospitals, particularly when the needed service is unavailable in a government facility, subject to applicable agreements and MAIFIP guidelines.
In the Cordillera, DOH-CAR identified four private facilities as program partners: the Pines City Doctors Hospital, the Saint Louis University–Sacred Heart Medical Center, and the Notre Dame de Chartres Hospital in Baguio City, and the Cordillera Hospital of the Divine Grace in La Trinidad, Benguet.
The list and availability of services should be confirmed with DOH-CAR or the concerned hospital before filing an application.
Responsible use of assistance
Pablo-Paulino clarified that beneficiaries cannot seek or claim assistance from MAIFIP and other government agencies for the same medical expenses.
The measure is intended to prevent duplicate claims and ensure that limited public funds are distributed fairly among qualified patients.
As of July 29, 2026, DOH-CAR reported releasing approximately ?75 million in MAIFIP aid to 1,330 patients from Abra, Baguio City, Benguet, Kalinga, and Mountain Province. The figure represents an increase from the 453 patients assisted in 2025. **MAWC/PIA-CAR
