SABLAN&STAFFLER


FOR CNMI GOV. AND LT. GOV 2022



A Healthy Community



Health is wealth: the future prosperity of our commonwealth is directly connected to the health and wellbeing of our people. The people of the Marianas deserve access to quality, affordable, and equitable healthcare services, and a healthcare system that can meet our community’s needs here at home. A physical and social environment that promotes active and healthy living, and policies that are supportive of physical and mental health, are keys to a thriving community.


Expanding Access to Health Insurance
A New Hospital, and Upgraded Healthcare Facilities
Creating A Health Network Program
Utilizing Evidence-Based Policies to Promote Health
Expanding Access to Mental Health Services
Parity for the Marianas in Medicaid and Nutrition Assistance
Promoting Active and Healthy Living

Expanding Access to Health Insurance



The Covid-19 pandemic exposed serious vulnerabilities in our healthcare system and our community’s access to care, with more than 40% of adults lacking health insurance in the CNMI before the pandemic. Presumptive eligibility for Medicaid during the public health emergency doubled enrollment, with more than 60% of the total Marianas population receiving Medicaid coverage. Presumptive eligibility is due to end in 2022, and at least 15,000 people are at risk of losing their health coverage once again. We will work closely with the CNMI Medicaid Agency to implement the “buy-in” option currently authorized by law, which would allow otherwise non-eligible residents to participate in the program. We will also offer a public option that will be open to all individuals and employers in the CNMI, through a competitively-bid contract between the CNMI government and a private insurance carrier. Costs will be shared among individuals, employers, and the CNMI government.



A New Hospital, and Upgraded Healthcare Facilities





We recognize the tremendous improvements that our Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation has been able to make with more and consistent funding. Thanks largely to federal support over the years through the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid, our public healthcare system has tripled the number of providers, expanded clinical services, opened an outpatient pharmacy, and added specialized services, such as oncology and cardiology. We will prioritize greater local investment in our Commonwealth’s healthcare system, and work with CHCC and federal partners to build a new public hospital, and upgrade existing healthcare facilities on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.



Creating A Health Network Program





One major step towards improving healthcare in the Northern Marianas is to restructure and reform the program that has long been known as medical referral. We support the orderly transition of medical referral services to the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation, and the establishment of a new Health Network Program within CHCC that will connect residents to CHCC’s network of providers both within and outside the Marianas. We are also committed to adequately funding the Health Network Program and ensuring that CHCC operates this program within the appropriation levels set by the legislature.



Utilizing Evidence-Based Policies to Promote Health



The CNMI has some of the highest rates of chronic non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, in the nation. The related rates of child and adult obesity, as well as consumption rates of tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks, are alarming. The costs of a community in poor health are massive, greatly impacting our healthcare system, our workforce, our economy, and our overall quality of life. We will enact evidence-based policies to improve community health outcomes, including legislation to raise tax rates on tobacco, alcohol, and sugar-sweetened beverages to recommended levels and tie those taxes to inflation. Revenues generated from these taxes will be invested in our healthcare system and especially preventive care services, as well as in tax collection and enforcement.



Expanding Access to Mental Health Services



Mental health is as important as physical health, and we have seen an overwhelming increase in demand for mental health services, much of which is attributed to the impacts of typhoon disasters and the Covid-19 pandemic. We will push for the enactment of legislation to add the Marianas to the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PsyPact), to improve and expand access to quality mental health services, including specialized care not currently available in the CNMI. PsyPact helps bridge the gaps in mental healthcare in underserved areas like the Marianas, enabling residents in participating states and territories to more easily access a larger pool of licensed providers through the practice of telepsychology and licenses to conduct temporary practice.



Parity for the Marianas in Medicaid and Nutrition Assistance



We will continue to work with our Delegate to the U.S. Congress, the Biden Administration, and our federal partners to secure full parity for the Marianas in Medicaid and the Nutrition Assistance Program. As with our fellow citizens in the U.S. states, Medicaid and food stamp benefits for the people of the Marianas should be based on need, and not fixed by statute with arbitrary caps.



Promoting Active and Healthy Living



We strongly support the development of a social and physical environment that is conducive to active and healthy living in the Marianas. We will invest public resources in the construction and improvement of sports and recreation facilities on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, and support sports and other physical activity programs in every precinct, including programs for both youth and manamko. We will also engage with government and community partners to establish, repair, and maintain walking paths, bike paths, and hiking trails throughout the commonwealth. We will establish a Youth Conservation Corps to involve our young people in tree planting, beautification and regular upkeep of public parks, pathways, and trails. We will improve and maintain public beaches, parks, and playgrounds, including shower and restroom facilities at key sites. We will encourage and promote community and backyard gardening in all our villages and connect residents with resources to learn about gardening and grow their own food.



OUR PLATFORM