THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the guidelines for the distribution of the PHP7,000 medical allowance grant for government workers.
According to DMB, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman already approved Budget Circular 2024-6, which provides the guidelines, rules, and regulations on the grant of medical allowance.
“The medical allowance will serve as a subsidy to avail of health maintenance organization (HMO)-type benefits and will cover all qualified civilian personnel from national government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and local water districts (LWDs),” DBM announced in a post.
This grant aligns with Executive Order 64 s. 2024, which was signed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on August 02, 2024. It was the same order which also mandated salary increase for government employees.
“This is a promise fulfilled,” said Sec. Pangandaman in a statement on Thursday.
“Matagal ko na pong pangarap ito para sa ating mga kababayan. Pagpasok po ng 2025, maaari na po silang makatanggap ng medical allowance para makatulong sa pagkuha nila ng HMO para sa kanilang health-related expenses o gastusin,” she added.
(“This has been my dream for a long time for our fellow countrymen. By 2025, they can now receive medical allowance to help them acquire HMO for their health-related expenses.”)
The DBM circular applies to all civilian government employees in the national government agencies, including state universities and colleges, and other government-owned and controlled institutions not covered by the Republic Act 10149 and EO 150, s. 2021.
All government workers are also eligible for the medical grant regardless of their appointment status— whether regular, casual, contractual; appointive or elective; and whether fully-employed on a full-time or part-time basis.
Local Government Units (LGUs) employees like Barangay Captains, treasurer, accountants, and others are also included in the circular, as well as those working in the water district.
This medical grant may be provided through the availing of Health Maintenance Organization or HMO coverage which can be accessed by either concerned government agencies or their respective employees’ organizations or groups.
Alternatively, it can also be given in the form of cash for those who choose to use their grant for their own HMO-type benefit to pay.
“This medical allowance is not just a benefit, it’s a vital investment in safeguarding a healthy workforce and ensuring that they perform at their best,” Pangandaman said.
