(CHCC) — The Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. wishes to provide updates on the Health Network Program or HNP, formerly known as the medical referral program, to the general public. CNMI residents who are seeking full assistance under HNP must satisfy three main eligibility criteria: medical, residency, and income. Strict adherence to regulations pertaining to program eligibility based on these criteria has played a pivotal role in achieving a substantial decrease in the number of referrals.
However, CNMI residents who do not satisfy all three criteria can still obtain support from HNP. Those with a valid Medical Treatment Authorization seeking medical care or treatment unavailable in the Commonwealth, as per program guidelines, can connect with the program for aid in ground transportation (in Guam and Hawaii) and assistance in coordinating self-arranged appointments.
For instance, HNP staff are able to assist clients who are outside of the program connect with Mercy Medical for complimentary airfare or Hope Lodge, which offers free lodging to cancer patients in Hawaii who meet the criteria.
“Our goal is to ensure efficiency driven by a commitment to place the patient at the center” said Tiffany Crisostomo, CHCC chief of business and quality assurance. “Recognizing that no one desires a medical referral journey, we believe that ease is not just a preference, but a compassionate necessity,” she added. Individuals who may not receive complete assistance from HNP are strongly encouraged to connect with the program. HNP facilitates connections between patients, helps in scheduling appointments, and provides access to low-cost or free services beyond the Commonwealth.
Under CHCC’s management of the referral program, significant milestones have been reached. A crucial strategic shift in HNP’s approach to airline bookings was necessary. By directly engaging with airlines rather than relying on travel agencies for air transportation bookings, HNP has significantly reduced costs by $300-$600 per ticket with direct bookings.
In efforts to enhance patient experience, HNP shifted away from processing and mailing checks for subsistence allowance, and now provide patients with a debit card for immediate fund uploads, streamlining financial transactions and enhancing convenience.
HNP’s innovative approach extends to ground transportation as well. By partnering with companies like Yellow Cab, UBER and Happy to Help car services, eliminating a single vendor, HNP has not only enhanced flexibility in addressing timely appointments but have also achieved an impressive 70% reduction in ground transportation costs.
Additionally, HNP phased out blocked rooms which has resulted in a 50% reduction in lodging expenses, allowing the program to redirect funds where they are needed most. Also, HNP leverages alternative resources, such as organizations and accommodations providing cost-free services to eligible individuals.
These reductions are evident when compared to the 2019 figures when the program operated under the central government. In 2019, the referral program incurred expenditures of approximately $16.9 million. Contrasting this with the fiscal year 2023, the program’s expenses were reduced to about $5.7 million.
The total number of referrals in 2019 was around 1,789 and around 1,039 in 2023. These figures are based on referrals and not the number of patients, since some patients require continuous referrals.
“The Health Network Program continues to engage with healthcare providers through regular calls and the expansion of our network to include the Philippines, Taiwan, and Korea showcases our dedication to fostering strong relationships globally,” Crisostomo said. “This transformative journey is an adjustment to many; however, it reflects our dedication to creating a healthcare system that seamlessly integrates efficiency, compassion, and cost-effectiveness,” she added.
For more information about its programs, follow CHCC on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter @cnmichcc/. You may also visit https://www.chcc.health or call (670) 234-8950.
