55: Avoiding the Cliff - Financing Medicaid in the Territories

Public Health Review

Medicaid plays a critical role in providing access to health services for low-income U.S. citizens in the five U.S. territories. However, Medicaid financing in the territories has been underfunded when compared to states.

While Congress has provided a patchwork of short-term, enhanced funding solutions through recent appropriation bills, they are set to expire at the end of September, which could trigger a “Medicaid cliff” and result in drastic cuts to territorial Medicaid programs.

Today’s guests discuss the urgent need for a permanent Medicaid solution, drawing attention on the need for equitable health financing for the U.S territories. This funding is necessary to support comprehensive public health and healthcare within these jurisdictions that includes expanded prevention, testing, and treatment programs and capabilities.

Speakers:

Karl Ensign, MPP, Vice President, Territorial Support, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials

Justa Encarnacion, RN, BSN, MBA, Commissioner of Health, U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health

Jorge Galva, JD, MHA, Executive Director, Puerto Rico Health Insurance Administration

Resources:

Permanent, Sustainable Medicaid Financing for U.S. Territories Policy Statement (ASTHO)

Medicaid Financing for the Territories (Congressional Research Service)

Medicaid and CHIP in the Territories (Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission)