The Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services has lifted the restrictions earlier imposed on the coverage of Medicaid and MIP, allowing patients under the programs to seek care at the private hospital.
“Public Health has recognized that their initial interpretation of their obligations under the provider agreement and the Guam State Plan was flawed,” said Margaret Bengzon, the hospital’s CEO. “GRMC has never wavered in its commitment to improve the quality of health and life on Guam. We have and will continue to provide full coverage to both MIP and Medicaid patients.”
The government imposed the restrictions in December, limiting the coverage only for emergency services. GRMC said the restrictions affected over 43,000 Medicaid beneficiaries and 11,000 MIP beneficiaries.
“GRMC continues to work with Public Health and the Government of Guam to ensure that quality health care, especially for those most in need, remains accessible,” Bengzon said. “This is a complex issue and resolution rests in substantial health care reform; GRMC is a partner in pursing this reform.”