Free Health Card for All State Universities and Colleges (Suc) Personnel Act

senate Office of the Sortitary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 25 NOV 18 P6:02 First Regular Session ) RECEIVED BY: SENATE S. B. No. 1541 Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA AN ACT PROVIDING FOR MANDATORY FREE HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION (HMO) PLAN COVERAGE TO FACULTY AND NON- TEACHING PERSONNEL IN STATE UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES EXPLANATORY NOTE Faculty and non-teaching personnel in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) are essential to the country's goal of delivering accessible, quality, and relevant higher education. They contribute to instruction, research, extension services, and institutional operations that shape the nation's future workforce. While their responsibilities continue to expand, especially with the full return to face-to-face classes, institutional support for their health and well-being remains limited. The current government healthcare system, primarily through PhilHealth, provides only partial coverage. In cases of serious illness or hospitalization, the remaining out-of-pocket costs can be financially overwhelming. This is especially true for entry-level instructors and staff. For many, a single medical emergency could lead to financial distress or long-term debt. This bill seeks to provide mandatory free Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) coverage to all full-time faculty and regular non-teaching personnel in SUCs. It builds on the State's constitutional commitment to give the highest budgetary priority to education and to ensure that teaching and school service attract and retain competent professionals through adequate support and job fulfillment. Under this measure, each SUC's Board of Regents will determine the specific form and terms of the HMO plan appropriate for its personnel. The HMO coverage will be granted in addition to existing PhilHealth benefits and will not require prior approval

from other agencies. This allows flexibility in implementation while ensuring consistent access to healthcare. Offering HMO coverage is a practical and meaningful way to support the welfare of SUC personnel. It promotes job satisfaction, health security, and peace of mind — making it possible for educators and staff to continue their service to students and the public without undue personal burden. Thus, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

Senate Office of the & crictare TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 NOV 18 P6:02 RECEIVED BY: SENATE S.B. No. _ 1541 Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA AN ACT PROVIDING FOR MANDATORY FREE HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION (HMO) PLAN COVERAGE TO FACULTY AND NON- TEACHING PERSONNEL IN STATE UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Free Health Card

2 for all State Universities and Colleges (SUC) Personnel Act."

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby the policy of the State to give

4 priority to education, science and technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster 5 patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and development. It is also the policy of the State to assign the highest budgetary priority to education and ensure that teaching will attract and retain its 8 rightful share of the best available talents through adequate remuneration and other 9 means of job satisfaction and fulfillment. Towards this end, and to protect the welfare of teaching and non-teaching personnel, the State shall establish mandatory Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) coverage to augment their healthcare coverage in 12 case of health-related contingencies.

SEC. 3. Mandatory HMO Coverage. - All SUCs shall provide mandatory HMO

coverage to all full-time faculty and regular non-teaching personnel of State

1 Universities and Colleges (SUCs). For this purpose, the Board of Regents of each SUC 2 shall have the discretion to decide the form, coverage, and terms of the services to be provided by an HMO. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the approval and implementation of 5 the mandatory HMO coverage provided under this Act shall not require any approval 6 from other agencies or officials. For the avoidance of doubt, the mandatory HMO coverage provided under this Act shall be in addition to the existing healthcare program provided to all government employees through the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.

SEC. 4. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial implementation

11 of this Act shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of the State 12 Universities and Colleges. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the 13 continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General 14 Appropriations Act.

SEC. 5. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is declared

unconstitutional, the remainder hereof or any provisions not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect.

SEC. 6. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance,

19 executive order, letter of instruction, rule, or regulation inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 7. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after

its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,