Senator Mark Villar pushes for free HMO coverage for all gov't employees

Senator Mark Villar is pushing for legislation that would give free Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) coverage for all government employees. The proposed law aims to expand access to medical services and to reduce out-of-pocket expenses during health emergencies.

“Ang ating mga kawani ng pamahalaan ay mahalagang katuwang sa pagsusulong ng kaunlaran at paghahatid ng serbisyo publiko. Nararapat lamang na matiyak ang kanilang kalusugan at kapakanan, lalo na sa panahon ng pagkakasakit at mga medikal na emergency,” Villar said.

While the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) provides health insurance benefits, these may not cover all hospitalization, treatment and other medical expenses, potentially leaving government employees to pay the remaining expenses themselves.

Villar's proposed measure seeks to make free HMO coverage a standard benefit for public sector workers, complementing their existing health insurance through access to medical consultations, preventive services and treatment.

The proposal also aims to ease the financial burden of unexpected medical expenses and encourage employees to seek medical attention when needed.

Existing government initiatives include the Department of Budget and Management's Budget Circular No. 2024-6, which provides qualified civilian government personnel with an annual medical allowance of up to P7,000 for HMO-type benefits.

The Government Service Insurance System also offers the Ginhawa Health Assistance Loan, or G-HEALTH, which allows eligible members to finance their HMO premiums through an interest-free loan.

Villar's proposal seeks to go beyond these existing arrangements by institutionalizing mandatory free HMO coverage instead of relying solely on a limited medical allowance or financing that must be repaid.

He said taking care of the health and well-being of government employees would also help sustain an effective public workforce.

“Ang pangangalaga sa kalusugan ng ating mga lingkod-bayan ay pamumuhunan sa kinabukasan ng ating bansa. Kapag may maaasahan silang serbisyong pangkalusugan, mas makapagtutuon sila sa kanilang tungkulin sa taumbayan,” Villar said.