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No data yet on govt insurance, Quitugua says
Sen. Justo S. Quitugua (R-Saipan) has yet to hear from the Department of Finance regarding data on the government’s health and insurance plan.
“We are still waiting for the information,” he said.
Quitugua earlier introduced Senate Bill 19-10 to allow retirees to enroll back in the government’s health insurance program anytime they wish to, instead of just within six months after they retire, as mandated by Public Law 15-70.
According to Quitugua, SB 19-10 is expected to benefit some 900 to 1,000 retirees who have opted out of the government’s insurance plan. The bill was calendared for passing but the Senate did not act on it due to questions about the bill’s possible impact.
The Finance Department has been asked to work with Aetna Global on this impact. Aetna Global is the insurance provider for government employees.
Quitugua’s colleagues in the Senate earlier commented that the return of retirees who initially opted out of the government insurance might cause premium rates to rise.
About 3,000 government employees could be affected, according to Senate President Victor B. Hocog (R-Rota).
He also said bringing in the 900 to 1,000 retirees on the Aetna insurance today might also affect the government to the tune of $1.2 million in additional payments by the end of the fiscal year.
He said data is needed from Aetna on what will happen to the existing insurance rates if, say, 25, 50, or 100 retirees are brought back in.
Donation to Rota
Quitugua, meanwhile, said he has also asked the Department of Finance to facilitate a donation of $3,000 from the senator’s office account to be deposited to the Rota Mayor’s Office account.
Quitugua said he is answering the call of the CNMI government to support Rota’s recovery effort from Typhoon Dolphin.
He said the funds donated will assist the Rota community with their needs as a result of the devastating impact of Typhoon Dolphin.
