Government workers may now receive their medical allowance as the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approves the guidelines on the grant of the PHP7,000 medical allowance for 2025.

The DBM said Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman approved Budget Circular 2024-6, which lays out the guidelines, rules and regulations on the grant of the medical allowance.

The grant is in line with Executive Order (EO) 64 s. 2024, which also prescribed the salary increase for government personnel, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Aug. 2, 2024.

“This is a promise fulfilled,” Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said in a statement Thursday.

The annual medical allowance will be given to qualified civilian government personnel as a subsidy to avail of health maintenance organization (HMO)-type benefits.

“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 (This has been my dream for a long time for our fellow public servant. By 2025, they can receive a medical allowance to help them get an HMO for their health-related expenses,” Pangandaman said.

The DBM circular covers all civilian government personnel in the national government agencies, including state universities and colleges and government-owned and controlled corporations not covered by Republic Act 10149 and EO 150, s. 2021.

All government workers, regardless of appointment status, whether regular, casual, or contractual; appointive or elective; and on a full-time or part-time basis, are eligible for the medical grant.

Employees in the local government units and local water districts are also covered.

The allowance may be granted in the form of HMO-type product coverage, which could be availed by either government agencies concerned or their respective employees’ organizations/groups.

It can also be in cash form for those who will avail their own or pay/renew their existing HMO-type benefit.

The Budget chief thanked the President for putting premium on state workers’ health.

“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. (PNA)