(CHCC) — The Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation’s Health Network Program or HNP continues coverage for airfare, housing and transportation for program participants. HNP was formerly known as the medical referral program.
CHCC CEO Esther Muna, Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, have been continuously working closely together to address the shortfall of the HNP. As a result, the CNMI government was able to transfer more funds to the CHCC-HNP and confirmed how future funds will be transferred throughout FY 2023.
“We will continue to work with CHCC, the CNMI Legislature, and other partners to help ensure the sustainability of the Health Network Program,” Governor Palacios said. “Access to quality healthcare, expanding healthcare workforce capacity, and addressing gaps in healthcare coverage are top priorities for Lt. Governor Apatang and I, and we will keep the community updated on the work and progress made on these efforts.”
“We are thankful for the additional funds that were transferred and the administration’s support for the Health Network Program,” said CEO Muna. “The additional funding will enable us to provide more robust services to our patients and strengthens our commitment to the health and welfare of the CNMI.”
Since the transfer of the medical referral program to CHCC and the passage of P.L. 22-33, which authorizes the Health Network Program, there have been no changes in the regulations (Title 75-50). However, the program exercises caution in its expenditures while adhering to the regulations.
Steps taken include clarifying ambiguities and updating the income eligibility, which determines who is eligible for benefits of the program — air transportation, accommodations, ground transportation, and subsistence. Recent cost-cutting measures have included the termination of blocked rooms in Guam and Hawaii, but this does not affect the eligible program participant’s benefits for lodging coverage.
CHCC is working closely with Governor Palacios, Lt. Governor Apatang, the secretary of Finance, and lawmakers to ensure that program funding is available. “Together, we are working toward a healthier community.”
You may reach an HNP staff member at (670) 323-1445 or email hsnp@chcc.health/.
