Expanded healthcare for public school teachers proposed
Public school teachers may soon benefit from expanded healthcare coverage through a health maintenance organization (HMO), as a newly filed bill seeks to provide this essential support. Parañaque 2nd District Representative Brian Raymund Yamsuan introduced House Bill No. 2579, aiming to offer comprehensive health insurance coverage tailored for teachers and DepEd personnel.
Yamsuan emphasized the powerful impact of the proposed expanded healthcare for public school teachers. “Teaching is a demanding job that could take a toll on one’s health, especially for those working in the public education sector. Our public school teachers should be able to readily access quality healthcare whenever they need it without having to worry about medical expenses,” he said.
Details of the proposed HMO program for teachers
The bill mandates the Department of Education (DepEd) to enter into a contract with an HMO provider to deliver healthcare services to all eligible personnel. This includes both teaching and non-teaching staff across all levels, whether permanent, contractual, or casual, provided they have served for at least six months.
According to the proposal, each qualified beneficiary would receive an annual medical allowance capped at Seven Thousand Pesos. This allowance aims to subsidize their use of HMO services. Furthermore, the amount will undergo a mandatory review every three years to ensure it aligns with current healthcare market costs.
Supporting teachers’ welfare beyond PhilHealth coverage
Yamsuan stressed that the bill complements existing measures like DepEd Order No. 016, which governs medical allowances for DepEd employees. “On top of the benefits that they may get from PhilHealth, what we want is to ensure that the grant of a more comprehensive healthcare package for our public school teachers and DepEd’s non-teaching personnel will be a regular and permanent part of the aid they are receiving from the government,” he explained.
The bill also addresses a critical issue: public school teachers often lack paid sick leave benefits. As a result, many face the difficult choice of working while sick or taking unpaid leave, which can hurt their finances and health. “This is an unjust dilemma no teacher should have to endure,” Yamsuan added.
Government commitment and future outlook
HB No. 2579 aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s pledge to improve the education system and prioritize teachers’ welfare. Last 2025, the Department of Budget and Management allocated P9.5 billion for employee medical allowances, signaling growing support for healthcare benefits.
The bill aims to institutionalize the healthcare support initiative so that it remains a consistent part of the national budget beyond any single administration. By doing so, it promises a healthier, more motivated teaching workforce equipped to meet the demands of educating future generations.
Local leaders noted that the expanded healthcare for public school teachers would boost not only their wellbeing but also educational outcomes nationwide. As Yamsuan summarized, “A healthy, happy teacher leads to an inspired and productive educator.”
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