(CMA) — Effective Jan. 1, 2024, the Commonwealth Medicaid Agency has implemented several changes to eligibility requirements. Individuals enrolled in the Medicaid program are advised to review the new regulations, as these changes may impact their eligibility status.
What are these changes?
(I) State Plan Amendment# MP 23-0005: In response to the National Public Health Emergency due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the Commonwealth Medicaid Agency temporarily increased the income limit from the originally approved State Plan of 150% to 180% of the SSI Federal Benefit Rate or FBR. This temporary extension had expired on Dec. 31, 2023. Effective Jan. 1, 2024, the CMA will resume determining income using its original limit of 150% of the FBR.
(II) State Plan Amendment# MP 23-0007: Effective Jan. 1, 2024, the CMA will set a $100 limit for monthly spend down eligibility for individuals/households exceeding the 150% FBR income threshold.
What do these changes mean?
The adjustment implies a reduction in the income eligibility criteria. If your income remains unchanged from May 2020 to December 2023, there is a possibility that you may no longer satisfy the eligibility requirements for Medicaid benefits.
What can I do now?
In light of these changes, considerations should be made looking into other health insurance options through your employer or other private insurance providers.
Eligibility & enrollment procedural update
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the CMA temporarily suspended the need for notarized affidavits. As the pandemic is no longer recognized as a threat, the Commonwealth Medicaid Agency will be reinstating the requirement for a notarized affidavit for any supporting document if evidence cannot be provided with your application.
For more information, you may contact the Commonwealth Medicaid Agency at:
Saipan
Gov’t Bldg. #1252 Capital Hill
Mon-Thu
7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Tel: (670) 664-4880/4882
Rota
Rota Health Center
Mon-Fri
7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Tel: (670) 532-9461
Tinian
Tinian Health Center
Mon-Fri
7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Tel: (670) 433-9263
A copy of the State Plan Amendment #MP-23-0005 is available online at medicaid.cnmi.mp or on medicaid.gov/.
State Plan Amendment #MP-23-0007 will be made available at a later date.
