Question & AnswerQ&A (BFP MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 2007-015)
The purpose is to prescribe policies and guidelines for the expeditious adjudication of claims for reimbursement of hospitalization expenses of the Bureau of Fire Protection uniformed personnel due to service-connected illnesses or injuries, and to establish the machinery for handling these cases through the Death and Disability Board.
BFP uniformed personnel in active service who incur hospitalization expenses due to service-connected illnesses or injuries.
'Fire operation injury' is a physical injury or mental illness directly related to fire, medical, rescue operations or inherent fire duties. 'Battle casualty' refers to a physical injury or mental illness incurred by BFP personnel directly related to fire or legitimate police-related operations or police-related duties.
Reimbursable expenses include medicines, medical supplies, medical services during confinement, medicines for up to 30 days post-confinement, ambulance services (other than BFP's own), travel expenses for patient transfer, and expenses while on official mission abroad or in the Philippines.
Expenses for normal spontaneous delivery and induced abortion, non-confinement cases not covered, cases due to substance abuse or self-inflicted injuries, refusal to use PhilHealth benefits, confinement during vacation leave, unprescribed drugs, false documents, late submissions beyond 60 days, non-medical items, equipment hiring, and unauthorized receipts are non-reimbursable.
The Board adjudicates hospitalization claims, reviews recommendations from regional directors, issues decisions within 15 working days, and determines legal heirs or beneficiaries. It submits reports and recommendations for approval and ensures claims meet set criteria.
For non-fire operation injuries, medical cases have a maximum reimbursement of ₱50,000 and surgical cases ₱100,000. For intensive and catastrophic cases, the max is ₱150,000. For fire, medical, and rescue operation injuries, all hospitalization expenses are reimbursed in full.
Claims must be filed within 60 days of hospital discharge with supporting documents including letter request, certificate of confinement, medical certificate, statement of account, official receipts, investigation reports if applicable, duty status certificates, sick leave certificates, death-related documents if applicable, and undertakings regarding other claims.
A letter from the hospital's credit division, promissory note acknowledging the amount, statement of account, and a Special Power of Attorney authorizing BFP to pay the balance must be submitted. If claims are reduced or denied, the individual remains personally liable for the unpaid balance.
Dishonest personnel or those in connivance with others intending to defraud the government are subject to administrative, civil, and criminal actions depending on the evidence and circumstances.