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Co-sharing in wiping out gov’t health insurance debts pushed
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Posted on Nov 08 2000
Northern Mariana Islands Retirement Fund Board Chair Vicente Camacho yesterday recommended that the $6 million funding which the government health insurance needs to pay off its debt and hire a health provider be divided among the three island-municipalities of Saipan, Tinian and Rota.
Mr. Camacho said Saipan should shoulder the biggest share of $4 million while Tinian and Rota at $1 million each.
NMIRF officials have been looking for ways to raise the much needed funding in an effort to retire its $5 million debt from different health providers.
Mr. Camacho has expressed concern on the delay in paying the health providers, mostly in Hawaii, amid reports that several members of the government health insurance seeking treatment have been turned away u unless they pay in cash.
“The longer this is delayed, the more negative reputation the CNMI government would have. The problem is already beyond our control since the health insurance was not given funding when it was turned over to us,” he said.
Several board members have already sought the help of the Legislature in appropriating funds to settle the debt. Rep. Malua Peter, chair of the House Committee on Health and Welfare, has asked the Office of Management and Budget to look for available funds for the NMIRF.
The board has approved in principle the hiring of Hawaii Management Alliance Association which will takeover the management of the health insurance. But the hiring of HMAA would need close to $800,000 to establish a revolving account, a trust fund and payment of setup fee.
According to Mr. Camacho, HMAA will be able to negotiate for a 20 to 50 percent discount with some 30 member hospitals and clinics. The company has in-house doctors who will analyze the billings and a pharmaceutical benefits manager who monitors the prices of medicine.
Operation of the government health insurance was turned over to NMIRF in June 1996 without providing the necessary funds to settle its liabilities. (Lindablue F. Romero)
