Finance pays PHI Pharmacy $353K

A check for $353,287.40 was issued to the islands’ biggest pharmaceutical provider last week, according to Larson, who also promised to update the government’s obligations to other medical providers.

“The Department of Finance issued a check in the amount $353,287.40 on Monday, July 2nd. The check was picked up on July 3rd,” Larson told Saipan Tribune.

She added: “We continue to look for alternative sources of funds to cover the remaining balance due to the pharmacies [and other private providers] and hope to resolve this matter soon.”

PHI Pharmacy suspended its services to Medicaid patients on July 1 due to the government’s mounting arrears since last fiscal year, estimated at more than $1 million.

Medicaid program officials earlier disclosed to Saipan Tribune that it owes private medical providers, both off- and on-island, about $15 million.

A PHI Pharmacy staff disclosed yesterday that services for Medicaid patients are still suspended until further notice. However, the staffer emphasized that Medicaid patients can continue to avail of the pharmacy’s products and services as long they pay for these out of pocket.

Marianas Medical Center manager Joy Sanchez confirmed yesterday that services to Medicaid patients also remain suspended at this time

She pointed out that Medicaid patients can still avail of their services through self-pay.

MMC also suspended services to Medicaid patients starting July 2. It was earlier learned that MMC has not been reimbursed for the last 11 months. It has yet to receive any payment from the government as of yesterday.

Sanchez declined to state how much the government owes their company but said it is a “significant amount.” Had they received it in a timely manner, the money would have helped the company’s operation, she added.

MMC shut down its outlet in San Antonio last June 1 and consolidated its operation with the company’s clinic on Beach Road.

Meantime, Saipan Health Clinic-which also stopped services to Medicaid patients on July 2-has decided to resume services two days after.

SHC billing supervisor Rita Santos said yesterday that the decision was made by Dr. Vicente Aldan, the clinic’s owner, in consideration of the situation of many Medicaid patients.

She disclosed that they have not been paid for their reimbursement since fiscal year 2011, estimated at about $200,000. She confirmed yesterday that nothing has been paid to date.

The Medicaid program is designed for low-income individuals and families and receives funding from both federal and local governments through a 45-55 percent matching ratio. The lack of local monies to match the federal share has been hampering the program’s ability to reimburse vendors.

By Moneth Deposa
Reporter