New law creates health and insurance task force

Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio has signed into law a measure creating a task force which will look into the formulation of a comprehensive medical and health coverage for island residents.

The nine-member task force will assist the Legislature in drafting the comprehensive policy, according to Public Law 12-21 otherwise known as the “Commonwealth Medical and Health Insurance Task Force.”

Mr. Tenorio said the forthcoming policy will seek medical and health insurance for people of the CNMI that is equitable, fair, reasonable and affordable.

Sponsored by Sen. Richardo S. Atalig, the new law was prompted by legislative findings that such policy is not available for islanders who cannot afford to secure insurance for their healthcare needs.

In addition, there are health maintenance carrier that makes its mandatory for their clients to use only their own clinic or make referral to another clinic of their preference, leaving no choice to their client.

Lawmakers also found out that selection to insure a person premise on the age, the requirement for physical examination and the medical history of the person.

“Because of this, some are rejected from being covered especially if the carrier considered the person a liability and high risk,” they said.

The rising costs of hospitalization both within and outside the CNMI can mean to a person “an arm and a leg” without some form of coverage and that an insured patient should have the right to be treated at a hospital of his or her own choice, added the legislators.

Members of the task force include the insurance commissioner, public health secretary or his representative, and the manager or administrator of the government health insurance program of the retirement fund.

There will also be two representatives from insurance carriers appointed by the House Speaker, another two representing private clinics who are appointed by the Senate President.

The Governor will also designate his choices, one from the Saipan Chamber of Commerce and the other from health maintenance carriers.

A final report mapped out by the body will be submitted to the Legislature within six months from appointment of the members, which can be extended by joint legislative resolution, according to the new law.

This is the first step taken by the island government to tackle various issues facing health maintenance organizations based in the CNMI and the policies they provide to residents here. (BS)