Cing said he will ask CNMI Congressman Gregorio C. Sablan and Guam Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo “to work together to make this happen.”
Medicare and Medicaid patients can seek treatment in U.S.-certified institutions only, Variety was told.
But eligible patients in an emergency situation while already in the Philippines can seek medical treatment that can be covered by Medicare or Medicaid, it was learned.
Medicare is administered by the federal government and provides health insurance coverage to people who are aged 65 and over, or who meet other special criteria.
Medicaid, another federal health program, is for eligible individuals and families with low incomes and resources.
According to Cing, the Philippines has two internationally accredited hospitals — St. Luke’s and The Medical City, both in Metro Manila.
Cing said St. Luke’s follows U.S. standards and has U.S. certified doctors.
“The feds must be informed about this so that local patients on Medicaid or Medicare can also be referred to Manila,” he added.
Sablan and Bordallo “must raise this important issue for Guamanians and CNMI patients in light of the rising costs of medical referrals for both jurisdictions.”
Asked for comment, Sablan’s office said it will look into Cing’s suggestions.
