Mark Villar seeks mandatory free HMO coverage for gov’t workers

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Mark Villar is pushing for mandatory free health maintenance organization (HMO) coverage for government employees to shield them and their families from costly health emergencies.

“Our government employees are valuable partners for promoting progress and bringing services to the public. It’s just right that their health and welfare are ensured, especially in times they are ill or during medical emergencies,” Villar said in a statement on Tuesday.

According to. him, the coverage that the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. provides them may not fully cover hospitalization, treatment, and other medical expenses, leaving employees to shoulder potentially high out-of-pocket costs.

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Villar proposes making free HMO coverage a standard benefit for government employees, complementing existing health insurance through access to consultations, preventive care, and treatment. His proposal also aims to ease the financial strain of unexpected medical expenses and encourage timely medical attention.

Current 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 ₱7,000 for HMO-type benefits, and the Ginhawa Health Assistance Loan of the Government Service Insurance System (G-Health), which enables eligible members to finance HMO premiums through a zero-interest loan.

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Villar’s proposal seeks to go further by institutionalizing mandatory free coverage instead of relying solely on a limited allowance or repayable financing.

Villar stressed that protecting public servants’ health is essential to sustaining an effective and responsive government workforce.

“Caring for the health of our public servants is investing in the future of our country. When they can rely on health services, they can better fulfill their duties to the people,’ he said. /atm