(CHCC) — The Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation extends its appreciation for the passage of the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025. This significant legislation includes Section 211, which allocates $27.1 million in Medicaid funding to the Northern Mariana Islands, addressing the healthcare funding shortfall for Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024. Through this financial support, Medicaid will be able to settle the $8,698,852 owed to CHCC for services rendered between June 2023 and September 2023. While this funding offers temporary relief, it highlights the broader issue at hand — the need to eliminate the Medicaid cap for U.S. Territories to ensure sustainable, long-term healthcare funding. Furthermore, the funding will mitigate prior shortfalls in the CNMI’s Medicaid program, which faced unprecedented challenges due to increased enrollment during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic and the economic strain caused by natural disasters.
CHCC acknowledges the tireless efforts of U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Sablan, whose leadership was instrumental in securing this vital funding. His unwavering commitment to addressing the Medicaid shortfall, coupled with his continuous engagement with federal stakeholders, has been essential in ensuring that the healthcare needs of the Commonwealth remain a priority at the national level.
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang have also provided steadfast support throughout this process, advocating for fair treatment of the Northern Mariana Islands under federal programs and emphasizing the importance of healthcare funding for the CNMI’s residents. Their leadership has been pivotal in securing this victory for the Commonwealth’s healthcare system.
CHCC further recognizes the collaborative efforts of the CNMI Medicaid Agency and the corporation in advocating for Medicaid funding. Both agencies have worked diligently to ensure that federal representatives fully understand the unique healthcare challenges faced by the Northern Marianas.
In addition to the support of Congressman Sablan and CNMI leadership, CHCC extends its sincere thanks to the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, National Association of Medicaid Directors, the U.S. Congress, the Dept. of Health & Human Services, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Region IX. These organizations have been key partners in elevating the healthcare needs of the Northern Marianas and advocating for sustainable Medicaid funding solutions and a permanent removal of the Medicaid cap.
In their letter to the U.S. House of Representatives, the Association of State and Territorial Health officials emphasized the significant funding disparity between the states and U.S. territories, stating, “Unlike the states, Medicaid funding in U.S. territories is capped annually, creating a significant disparity and limiting their ability to cover the full range of services for eligible individuals.” This disparity highlights the importance of the newly allocated funds in ensuring equitable healthcare access for the CNMI.
CHCC remains committed to providing high-quality healthcare to the CNMI community. This new funding will help close the gaps in healthcare services, ensuring the continued growth and strengthening of the healthcare infrastructure in the Commonwealth.
