CNMI Medicaid Implements Emergency Waivers to Ensure Continued Care Following Super Typhoon Sinlaku

Saipan, MP — The Commonwealth Healthcare Medicaid Agency (CMA) has implemented temporary emergency flexibilities to ensure uninterrupted access to healthcare services following the impacts of Super Typhoon Sinlaku.

Under authority granted through Section 1135 of the Social Security Act, and in coordination with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, CMA has adopted a series of blanket waivers effective April 11, 2026.

These waivers are designed to support healthcare providers and protect beneficiaries during the federally declared Public Health Emergency (PHE), allowing the healthcare system to remain responsive and resilient during recovery efforts.

Key Measures Include:

• Flexibility for Healthcare Providers: Certain participation and certification requirements have been temporarily waived to allow providers to continue delivering care under modified conditions.

• Continued Access to Care: Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries will maintain access to medically necessary services, even in the face of disaster-related challenges.

• Emergency Prescription Refills: Beneficiaries may obtain replacement medications if prescriptions were lost, damaged, or made inaccessible due to the typhoon. Providers may accept patient self-attestation in these situations.

• Alternative Care Sites: Healthcare services may be delivered in temporary or non-traditional settings such as shelters, mobile clinics, or other approved locations to ensure continued patient care.

“These actions reflect our commitment to ensuring that no one is left without care during this critical time,” said CMA Director George J. Cruz. “We are working closely with our federal partners and local providers to support recovery efforts and maintain access to essential health services for our community.”

CMA continues to collaborate with federal partners to evaluate and implement additional flexibilities as needed. Updates will be shared with providers and the public as they become available.

These waivers will remain in effect for the duration of the federally declared Public Health Emergency.

Temporary Service Location & Hours’ Notice The Eligibility & Enrollment and Claims Sections are temporarily relocated to the 4th Floor of the Horiguchi Building. Public service hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

For More Information:

Commonwealth Healthcare Medicaid Agency (CMA)

Phone: (670) 664-4880

Email: info@cnmimedicaid.org

Website: www.cnmimedicaid.org