TWO lawmakers from Abra are pushing for stronger health protections for public school teachers through mandatory health maintenance organization (HMO) coverage.

Abra Lone District Rep. JB Bernos and Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos filed House Bill No. 6512, known as the ‘TeachCare Bill,’ which seeks to require HMO benefits for all public school teachers who have served for at least six months.

The lawmakers said the bill aims to ease the financial burden on teachers, many of whom are overworked and face rising out-of-pocket medical expenses.

Citing reports from the Department of Education and the Alliance of Concerned Teachers, JB Bernos noted that educators spend a significant portion of their income on medical and dental needs.

“Considering the demands required of them in the conduct of their duties, it is only right that we provide support to teachers through HMO coverage so they could look after their health without fear that doing so would further deplete their already meager salaries,” Bernos said.

The measure also seeks to build on and potentially expand Executive Order No. 64, s. 2024, signed earlier this year by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which grants an annual medical allowance of up to PHP 7,000 for government civilian personnel, including public school teachers.

Bernos emphasized that teachers often work long hours—balancing classroom tasks, administrative duties, and responsibilities at home—yet many forgo medical care due to financial constraints.

“If there is one sector deserving of added support through HMO coverage, it is our educators, who put in long hours doing teaching and administrative duties, and go home to do more of the same,” he said.

He added that many teachers endure illnesses rather than seek treatment for fear of going into debt. “At risk po ang ating mga guro dahil sa kanilang trabaho, pero marami sa kanila ang pinipiling tiisin ang kanilang karamdaman dahil maaari nilang ikabaon sa utang ang dagdag na gastusin para sa kanilang kalusugan,” he said.

If enacted, the TeachCare Bill would institutionalize comprehensive medical and dental benefits for educators, a move the authors hope will enhance teacher welfare and strengthen the country’s public education system.