WITH Medicaid presumptive eligibility set to end Thursday, May 11, many community members are availing themselves of the services provided by the program at the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation and other private clinics on island.
Medicaid, which is jointly funded by the federal and CNMI governments, provides medical insurance to eligible low-income individuals and families.
Presumptive eligibility allows qualified healthcare providers to grant temporary Medicaid coverage to individuals who may be eligible for Medicaid but have not yet completed the formal application process.
At CHCC, the Women’s Clinic and Family Care Clinic are still accommodating walk-in applicants but are already fully booked if a patient needs to see a specialist.
Marianas Dental Clinic is fully booked and is no longer accepting walk-in applicants under Medicaid presumptive eligibility.
Marianas Health Center is also fully booked this week, according to some patients who tried to make an appointment.
Medicaid presumptive eligibility was implemented as part of the national public health emergency measures during the Covid-19 pandemic. It offers immediate access to healthcare while applicants are waiting for the approval of their application for regular Medicaid or other health coverage.
