Until a source of funding for a local match can be found, the $84 million that Congress approved for the American Samoa Medicaid Program last year, cannot be used.
American Samoa has to come up with a match of about $30 million.
Medicaid Director Sandra King Young told a recent hearing of the House Health Committee that two possible new sources of funding had been considered.
Play Audiosales-tax
Chairman of the House Budget and Appropriations Committee Vailiuama Steve Leasiolagi said the majority of Representatives are leaning towards repealing the 2% wage tax that is now going to LBJ Hospital….50% for operations and 50% for the off island referral program.
He said the intention was to repeal that 2% and not appropriate the revenues for anything else.
But having heard the need for local match perhaps they can work with the 50% being earmarked for the off island referral program.
King Young said that money is not coming to Medicaid right now.
As for legalizing medicinal marijuana, Vailiuama said this is worthy of consideration and the Fono counsel and staff are reviewing the matter.
He said the $84 million is very much needed at this time to fund the territory’s health needs especially the off island referral program and every effort must be made to secure a local match so that this funding can be used.
