Guam, Chuuk seek medical collaboration

Guam Memorial Hospital officials recently met with representatives from the Chuuk State Health Insurance Board. Photo courtesy of GMH

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

Guam and Chuuk have launched discussions to expand regional healthcare collaboration and improve Micronesian citizens' access to medical services at Guam Memorial Hospital.

“Regional collaboration is essential to ensuring that patients throughout Micronesia have access to the care they need," Dr. Joleen M. Aguon, GMH administrator, said after meeting with representatives from the Chuuk State Health Insurance Board.

"These discussions mark an important step toward strengthening healthcare partnerships and building more coordinated pathways for patients in Chuuk across the Federated States of Micronesia."

As of 2020, there were 8,609 Micronesian citizens living on Guam. Migrants from Chuuk accounted for the largest segment of the FSM population on island.

The Compact of Free Association allows FSM citizens to live, work and access medical services in Guam.

Under the compact, FSM citizens are eligible for certain federal benefits, including Medicaid, without the five-year waiting period that applies to most non-citizens.

This eligibility was restored in 2020 by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which repealed the 1996 welfare reform exclusion that had previously excluded FSM citizens from the program's coverage.

A U.S. survey conducted in 2012 found that medical care is a key reason for FSM migration, with many seeking treatment for chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity.

According to the government of Guam's 2023 compact impact report, a total of 5,217 FSM patients were treated at GMH in 2022. Of this total, 3,923 were from Chuuk, 748 were from Pohnpei, 402 were from Yap and 144 from Kosrae.

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Due to limited medical services in the FSM, several Micronesian patients come to Guam for treatment.

“Our island has long served as a hub for healthcare in the region,” Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said. “Strengthening partnerships with our neighbors in the

Federated States of Micronesia helps ensure that families across our region have access to quality care and the medical services they need.”

“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to improving health

outcomes for our communities,” added Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio. “Working together allows us to build stronger systems of care and ensure patients can access services in a more coordinated and timely manner.”

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