Previous Story
NMIRF explores Medicare, GHLIP integration
|
Posted on Dec 15 2000
The Northern Mariana Islands Retirement Fund is seriously looking into the possibility of integrating the Social Security Administration’s Medicare Program into the local agency’s Group Health and Life Insurance Program.
SSA Saipan Field Office Manager Michael G. Newman made a strong presentation during yesterday’s NMIRF board meeting where he discussed the proposal’s capability to alleviate NMIRF’s financial status.
Mr. Newman said the program would allow NMIRF to save huge amounts if the Medicare Program is incorporated in the GHLIP since it will cover almost 80 percent of patients’ hospital bills.
Medicare enrollees currently pay $45.50 per month although monthly premium beginning next year will be increased to $50. This will cover 80 percent of the subscribers’ medical and hospital expenses, while GHLIP will shoulder the remaining medical charges.
According to the integration plan, the Medicare will become the subscribers’ co-payor which is responsible for the hospital and medical services while GHLIP will shoulder the services beneficiaries are not able to pay.
The proposal came in the wake of excessive hospital and medical charges, forwarded to the GHLIP the other month, incurred by beneficiaries who sought off-island medical services.
The Fund is currently seeking $5 million in total allocation from the CNMI government to settle its outstanding obligation at Queen’s and Straub’s, and another $1 million to start its review utilization project.
NMIRF Board Chair Vicente Camacho cited, however, the need for a thorough review of the supplemental coverage of the Medicare in order to prevent problems that may arise from its integration to the GHLIP.
Under the proposal, GHLIP members who reached the age of 65 will be given a six-month window period for their initial enrollment under the Medicare Part B which includes other medical services that are not covered by Medicare Part A.
The NMIRF board also called for information campaign to completely educate retirees and government employees on the program, thereby, preventing misinterpretation of the policies. (AR Fajardo)
