AS a retiree, I find it imperative to respond to the NMI Settlement Fund’s recent release regarding retirees’ health insurance. Every year-end, we receive the same threatening notice about the possible lapse of our health insurance coverage. Please be reminded that retirees and government employees have health insurance premiums deducted from their pay, and we also pay our share of those deductions. So where is the $7.2 million representing the government’s share that was not appropriated in the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Act? This is negligence and a disgrace to over 1,600 retirees, 698 survivors, and more than 3,000 government employees.
The press release urges “all retirees to explore other health insurance options and to contact your representatives regarding this matter.” What options do retirees truly have when we do not control the funds?
According to the 2024 NMI Settlement Fund audit, the Fund reported assets, including over $137 million listed in the Schedule of Investments Owned. Are Settlement Fund members the beneficiaries of these assets? If so, could these funds be used to support retirees’ health insurance?
In light of these assets, I recommend that the Governor and the NMI Settlement Fund Trustee ask the U.S. District Court to separate retirees’ health insurance from the CNMI Group Health Insurance program and place it under the NMI Settlement Fund. This may finally put an end to the yearly threatening notices.
I also recommend keeping Aetna Insurance because many retirees reside in the mainland, and Aetna is widely accepted. For decades, we have had no issues with Aetna; they respond quickly and pay providers on time.
Lastly, I encourage all retirees residing in Saipan to attend the NMI Retirement Association meeting on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the Carolinian Utt in Garapan. Collectively, let our voices be heard. Thank you.
Respectfully,
REMI R. SABLAN
San Vicente, Saipan
