Marikina Representative Miro Quimbo filed House Bill 11603 seeking to mandate a nationwide Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) program for all Department of Education (DepEd) public school teachers to guarantee broader access to comprehensive medical care.
The legislative measure directs DepEd to procure competitive healthcare coverage from accredited HMO providers maintaining nationwide networks of medical facilities and physicians.
”Teachers spend so much of their time taking care of our children. It is only fair that we also make sure that these second parents of our children are taken care of when it comes to their own health,” Quimbo said.
The proposed coverage encompasses outpatient consultations, diagnostic procedures, inpatient hospitalizations, emergency care, annual physical examinations, and mental health support, including psychological therapy and psychiatric care.
Quimbo clarified that the proposed HMO benefit will serve as a supplemental health package rather than a replacement for existing medical allowances and government assistance provided to public school educators.
”Hindi natin binabawasan ang kasalukuyang benepisyo ng mga guro,” Quimbo emphasized. ”Dinadagdagan natin ang kanilang safety net para mas may masasandalan sila kapag kailangan nila ng medical care.”
The lawmaker stressed that improved healthcare coverage promotes preventive medical attention, mitigating financial strain and personal delays for teachers facing health challenges.
”Kapag may sakit ang guro, hindi lang siya ang apektado. Apektado rin ang mga batang umaasa sa kanya araw-araw,” Quimbo added. ”Kung gusto nating protektahan ang kalidad ng public education, kailangan nating protektahan din ang mga guro na nasa frontline nito.”