Bill Seeking Comprehensive HMO Coverage for All Public School Teachers Filed in Congress

EDUCATION NEWS | OCTOBER 8, 2026

Proposed legislation aims to provide nationwide medical coverage, including hospitalization, emergency treatment, annual checkups, and mental health services, without replacing existing teacher benefits.

MANILA, Philippines — A measure seeking to provide comprehensive Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) coverage to public school teachers nationwide has been filed in the House of Representatives, potentially expanding access to medical services for educators under the Department of Education (DepEd).

Marikina City 2nd District Representative Miro Quimbo filed House Bill No. 11603 on October 6, 2026, proposing the establishment of a healthcare program specifically designed to address the medical needs of public school teachers.

The measure, officially titled "An Act Providing a Health Care Program for Public School Teachers and Appropriating Funds Therefor, and for Other Purposes," was referred to the House Committee on Health on October 7, 2026, where it remains pending as of October 8.

Comprehensive Medical Protection for Teachers

Under the proposed legislation, DepEd would be required to secure healthcare coverage for public school teachers through licensed and accredited HMO providers.

The selection of healthcare providers would undergo competitive bidding, with participating HMOs required to maintain a nationwide network of hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities.

This provision is intended to make healthcare services accessible to teachers across the country, including those assigned outside major urban centers.

What Medical Services Would Be Covered?

The proposed HMO program would provide access to several healthcare services, covering preventive care, medical treatment, and mental health support.

These include:

1. Outpatient Services — Medical consultations, laboratory examinations, and diagnostic procedures.
2. Inpatient and Hospitalization Services — Hospital accommodations, physicians' fees, and necessary surgical procedures.
3. Emergency Medical Care — Access to medical attention and treatment during emergencies.
4. Annual Physical Examinations — Regular health assessments for early detection and prevention of illnesses.
5. Mental Health Services — Psychiatric and psychological consultations, including therapy and other mental health interventions.

These benefits would be provided through the proposed HMO program, subject to the final provisions and implementation guidelines should the measure become law.

Recognition of Teachers' Health and Well-Being

In explaining the proposal, Quimbo emphasized the important responsibility teachers carry in educating and caring for Filipino children.

"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 lawmaker also pointed out that teachers' health has a direct connection to the quality and continuity of education.

Beyond addressing medical expenses, the proposed program aims to encourage educators to seek timely treatment, undergo preventive examinations, and receive appropriate healthcare before medical conditions become more serious.

HMO Coverage Would Be Additional to Existing Benefits

One of the significant features of the proposal is that the HMO program is intended to supplement, rather than replace, the existing medical allowance and healthcare benefits of public school teachers.

Quimbo clarified that the measure does not seek to reduce or remove the benefits educators already receive.

Instead, the proposed HMO program would serve as an additional layer of financial and medical protection, particularly in situations involving hospitalization, specialized treatment, diagnostic procedures, and unexpected medical expenses.

This distinction is important because the proposed HMO coverage would be separate from existing benefits, although the exact coordination of these programs would depend on the final law and its implementing guidelines.

How Does the Proposal Differ from the Existing ₱7,000 Medical Allowance?

Public school teachers already have access to an annual medical allowance of up to ₱7,000 under existing government regulations.

DepEd Order No. 016, s. 2025 provides guidelines for granting this medical allowance to eligible teaching and non-teaching personnel. The subsidy is intended to help government employees obtain HMO benefits and manage healthcare-related expenses.

However, the proposed legislation seeks to establish a more comprehensive healthcare program for public school teachers through HMO providers contracted by DepEd.

Unlike the existing annual medical subsidy, the proposed program would specify a broader package of medical services, including inpatient treatment, emergency care, diagnostic examinations, and mental health consultations.

The actual coverage limits, exclusions, and funding requirements would still need to be determined under the final approved legislation and its implementation.

Other HMO Proposals Filed in Congress

Quimbo's proposal is not the only measure seeking expanded healthcare protection for public school teachers.

Congressional records also show that House Bill No. 11102, authored by Representative Ramil Laurel Hernandez, was filed on September 2, 2026. It likewise seeks HMO coverage for all public school teachers.

Earlier, House Bill No. 7014, authored by Representative Salvador A. Pleyto, was filed on December 22, 2025, with a similar objective.

Both measures remain pending before the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture, according to available congressional records.

The existence of multiple proposals highlights continuing legislative attention to healthcare benefits for public school educators.

Is the HMO Coverage Already Approved?

No. The nationwide comprehensive HMO program under House Bill No. 11603 remains a legislative proposal as of October 8, 2026.

The House of Representatives' legislative record indicates that the bill was filed on October 6, read on October 7, and referred to the House Committee on Health.

For the proposed program to become law, it must complete the necessary legislative process, including approval by both chambers of Congress and presidential action, or otherwise become law through the constitutional process.

Until then, public school teachers should continue to follow existing DepEd guidelines regarding their available medical allowance and healthcare benefits.

A Continuing Discussion on Teacher Welfare

The filing of House Bill No. 11603 brings renewed attention to the healthcare needs of public school teachers, whose professional responsibilities require sustained physical and mental well-being.

If enacted, the proposed program could provide additional medical and financial protection, particularly for educators facing unexpected hospitalization, recurring medical consultations, and mental health concerns.

For now, the extent of the coverage, the funding that would be allocated, and the eventual implementation schedule remain dependent on congressional deliberations and the final provisions of the measure.

The progress of House Bill No. 11603 will therefore be an important development for public school teachers monitoring potential improvements to their healthcare benefits.