Some fear they may not be admitted even at the Commonwealth Health Center using their StayWell health insurance.
Others said the situation is also causing problems to those under medication but cannot use their insurance to buy medicine at discounted rate because StayWell suspended their coverage.
The government did not deduct premiums for StayWell during the June 18 pay period.
One employee personally went to the health insurance firm’s office to make payment, but was told her coverage would remain suspended until the government pays its arrears.
“StayWell is denying hundreds maybe thousands of paying customers healthcare even if they come into the office and pay their premiums. This not only morally wrong but possibly illegal if customers come in and pay their premiums as I did,” the employee said.
StayWell announced it has “temporarily suspended” the health insurance coverage of CNMI employees except those from the autonomous government agencies such as the Public School System, the Commonwealth Ports Authority, the Commonwealth Utilities Corp., Northern Marianas College, the Northern Marianas Housing Corp., the Retirement Fund, the Tinian Casino Gaming Control Commission and the Commonwealth Development Authority.
“This notice is necessary because the government has indicated that future allotments will not be made and StayWell will not be paid for your insurance coverage. To bring your insurance coverage current, you must contact the StayWell office immediately,” the firm’s announcement reads.
