This question was raised by Senate President Paul A. Manglona, Ind.-Rota, and Senate Vice President Jude U. Hofschneider, R-Tinian, Sens. Ralph DLG. Torres, R-Saipan, and Francisco Q. Cruz, R-Tinian, during meetings in Washington in March.
Sablan said his office continued the inquiry after the senators returned to the CNMI “and our research and consultation eventually produced the letter of concurrence from Dr. Berwick.”
There is no change in existing policy, but clearly the availability of Medicare insurance to cover treatment in the Philippines was not well known or understood in the CNMI, Sablan added.
Medicare will cover both emergency and non-emergency treatment in the Philippines, though hospitals providing the care must meet certain national or international accreditation requirements, he said.
The care provided must not be available at the Commonwealth Health Center.
“Especially now, however, with the state of emergency at CHC, seniors and others with Medicare insurance may need to get treatment in the Philippines. Dr. Berwick’s statement makes clear that this option is available,” Sablan said.
He noted at the same time that Republicans want to end Medicare.
“In April, House Republicans passed their budget plan for the next 10 years that would end Medicare. Republicans want seniors to have to buy private insurance instead. Anyone now under the age of 55 would face the prospect of having to get by with a voucher to cover part of their insurance premium and then paying the difference out of pocket,” Sablan said.
Speaking out
Last Tuesday, Sablan spoke on the floor of the U.S. House against cuts for technical assistance and environmental protection programs that impact the Northern Marianas.
He said H.R. 2584, the Interior and Environment appropriations bill for 2012, includes Republican-led cuts of $1.7 million for technical assistance and maintenance assistance in U.S. territories.
Technical assistance grants to the CNMI help pay for things we cannot afford, but need, Sablan added.
“Just recently, a $1.2 million grant was awarded to explore for geothermal energy on Saipan that could sharply reduce the millions we have to spend for foreign oil. In addition, the broad and deep cuts to environmental programs for endangered species protection, climate change adaptation, wildlife management, the National Wildlife Refuge System, and the Land and Water Conservation Fund push back the CNMI’s efforts to conserve natural resources, protect public health, and create jobs.
“I will continue to speak out against Republican proposals to cut the programs the people of the Northern Marianas relies on — even as Republicans refuse to consider asking corporations and the wealthiest people to give up their tax breaks and contribute a little more to the general good.”
